Paul George has never been shy about his love for California. The All-Star from Palmdale, the high desert town an hour and a half north of Los Angeles, grew up as a Clippers fan and idolized Laker legend Kobe Bryant. So, despite not wanting to trade a star in his prime, the Thunder had braced themselves for Los Angeles’ allure to come calling someday.
What the Thunder didn’t anticipate was Kawhi Leonard making the call to George this week. Maybe when George was entering the final year of his contract, but not approximately three years removed from Kevin Durant leaving Oklahoma City in ruins.