When the Oklahoma City Thunder acquired Paul George last summer in a trade with the Indiana Pacers, it was very much viewed as a roll of the dice. George had long been linked to the Los Angeles Lakers, and he was on track to become a free agent in a year’s time.
The Thunder moved to put more talent around George and Russell Westbrook by trading for Carmelo Anthony. The hope was the trio would lead the team on a successful playoff run that could entice George to re-sign with the Thunder.
Instead, there were growing pains throughout the regular season, and a first-round exit at the hands of the Utah Jazz in the playoffs.