As the deadline for decision time approaches NBA free agents that have an opt-out clause in their contract, must make a decision before 12:01 am July 1st. One of the NBA’s top free agents, Paul George, looming free agency decision cast a cloud on the rest of the league. Even during the 3rd act of the summer of LeBron, George’s decision on where he will play next season has bearing on where James might play as well.
George, a Los Angeles native, almost assuredly will opt out of his contract that would have paid him $20,500,000 in the 2018-19 season. He is eligible to sign a new contract up to five years, $175.7 million beginning at 30.3 million per. The Lakers, rumored to be his other choice, mainly because it's his hometown team, can sign Paul outright to a 4 year 130 million dollar contract. He would then forfeit the final year and 45 million by signing outright with the Lakers. The only way he could retain that money is to orchestrate a sign and trade thru OKC.
A sports documentary is scheduled to air in a 3 part segment on ESPN, by George, leading some to believe that he already has decided to return to OKC. If George indeed decides to re-sign with OKC that could have a direct impact on the likelihood that LeBron would make the move to the Lakers without a second star being added to the roster.
It has also been speculated that maybe George can be persuaded by James to join him in Cleveland to form a new big 3. No matter what George decides, one can argue that his decision greatly impacts everyone else’s the most.
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