Credit OKC Thunder GM Sam Presti for shedding salary and essentially turning Serge Ibaka into Paul George. Presti and the Thunder know this is a one year rental but their hope is the duo plays well on court and with enough cap room they can attract more players and be a viable contender again. This is a gamble by Presti and frankly he has to, given he lost James Harden and Kevin Durant over the past five years. But bringing a player in George who is so committed to being a future Laker could be dangerous.
It’s no secret that Paul George wants to play for the Lakers. We are not breaking any news there. But what if PG gets in Westbrook’s ear all season and whispers the idea of teaming up on the Lakers. Westbrook is an LA guy and as his life changes (new baby, wanting to be near family) it’s not inconceivable he would make a move. For Russ it will be about winning. If Presti can show him the team is willing to build a contender he’ll likely stay. Plus there is the whole Bird rights and supermax deal. But if OKC is unable to recruit big names, you could see him leaving. It’s not like it hasn’t happened before.