After the 2018-2019 NBA season, Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder Common Supervisor Sam Presti held his typical finish -of -season press convention in Oklahoma Metropolis. Among the many most anticipated topics, in fact, there was its viewpoint on latest exchanges of superproductions involving two of the largest names within the franchise: Russell Westbrook and Paul George.
Whereas Presti expressed deep respect for the 2 stars and acknowledged his impression on the workforce, he didn’t hesitate to supply some sharp remarks – specifically in regards to the departure of George for Los Angeles Clippers.
From OKC to the
Shortly earlier than Presti speaks to the media, George had executed the identical factor.
Commercial
For the primary time as an official clipper of Los Angeles, the brand new star of the hometown addressed her former workforce to depart – only a yr after having signed a protracted -term profitable settlement with the Thunder.
“We had a wonderful relationship. I performed two good years there”, “ clarify “PG -13” throughout his introductory press convention “It was a mutual determination – we each thought that the time had come and had completely different concepts concerning the future.”
For probably the most improved participant in 2013, the scenario was clear: after two first releases within the playoff sequence and along with his associate in crime, Westbrook contemplating a brand new begin after greater than a decade with the workforce, he noticed the chance to rethink his personal path.
There was no battle – simply open conversations with OKC’s entrance workplace, which supported his want to compete at a better degree. In accordance with this, they labored on a call which, in George’s phrases, had “on the identical wavelength” – a call that might convey him nearer to the elusive championship ring that he had continued since getting into the league as a complete of tenth decisions in 2010.
Commercial
Presti grasp stroke
Though Paul described the choice a call, Sam noticed it in another way – his viewpoint prompt that issues had been extra difficult.
“I do know that he (George) had used the time period” mutual “. I might not essentially agree with this as a result of that deduces that we wished to trade Paul George,” mentioned The 48 -year -old man, by Sky Sports activities.
Presti, initially from Massachusetts, defined that “mutual” couldn’t have been exact on this case, noting that in spite of everything, exchanging the 6’8 swingman was most likely not on the prime of our outdoors season record.
Commercial
It was, in fact, an understatement; In actuality, the reverse was true. Do not forget that OKC had simply signed “PG -13” to one of many best contracts within the historical past of the franchise – a call aimed toward constructing in the long run, with out abandoning it.
In the long run, it’s clear that the opinions on the departure of Paul in relation to these beforehand on the negotiation desk had been blended. Nevertheless, what is definite is that ultimately, Sam and the Thunder emerged as the true winners of this example.
When the workforce exchanged George – who left the clippers final yr with out champion – they acquired Shai Gilgeous -Alexander in return. The Canadian, a younger chief on the time, has since develop into the guts and soul of their workforce.
However commerce has introduced much more. Oklahoma Metropolis additionally obtained the veteran Danilo Gallinari and an enormous assortment of valuable energetic substances: first -round decisions unprotected in 2022, 2024 and 2026, the primary further circles of Miami warmth for 2021 and 2023, and the best to trade decisions with the Clippers in 2023 and 2025.
