When the Oklahoma City Thunder acquired Paul George from the Indiana Pacers last summer, they were widely viewed as a stop along the road to his eventual return home. George reportedly expressed a desire to be traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, but the Pacers declined to honor it.
Still looking to recover from Kevin Durant departing in free agency the year prior, Oklahoma City went a step further and traded for Carmelo Anthony. The trio of All-Stars led to tempered excitement for the team.
The hope was a successful season and playoffs would have a strong influence on George come free agency.