As the OKC Thunder franchise enters their first rebuild in the 11 years of the franchise they do so knowing how fragile commitments are. After all, Paul George who re-signed with OKC on a four-year deal lasted just one season prior to requesting a trade.
The precarious position Paul George put Sam Presti in ended up turning out positively, but it just as easily could’ve backfired. Had Presti decided to not give in to George’s demands he risked the star revealing his trade desires. Had that occurred the value and leverage Presti was able to capitalize on would’ve vanished.