Deal Canceled: Paul George has ended a 4-year contract worth $211,584,950 with…

 

The Thunder’s offseason has been one of their strongest in recent years, though not without its flaws.

Oklahoma City made notable moves by trading Josh Giddey for Alex Caruso, signing Isaiah Hartenstein, and making key draft decisions. While GM Sam Presti orchestrated a largely successful offseason, a few things didn’t go as planned.

In a recent Bleacher Report article assessing each team’s biggest offseason wins and losses, Dan Favale identified two decisions as the Thunder’s biggest setbacks, with trading Lindy Waters III being one of them. Although the Thunder might not miss Waters much next season, Paul George’s move to Philadelphia could have a significant impact on their 2025 offseason.

Oklahoma City owns Philadelphia’s first-round pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, with protections only in the top six. The Thunder were almost assured of receiving the pick, barring a major setback for the 76ers.

However, George’s signing stabilizes Philadelphia’s position, strengthening their chances of securing a playoff spot next season alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. Without this offseason addition, the 76ers could have faced a precarious situation, especially given Embiid’s injury history, but George’s presence likely mitigates that risk.

While George’s move may negatively affect the value of Oklahoma City’s pick from Philadelphia, it also creates new opportunities from where he left. Interestingly, the LA Clippers still owe the Thunder picks from the 2019 George trade, including a potential swap in 2025.

Without George, the Clippers will enter the next season relying on the aging and injury-prone Kawhi Leonard, 33, and James Harden, 35. Given that they haven’t finished higher than fourth in the West over the past four years, George’s departure could be what pushes them out of playoff contention and potentially gives Oklahoma City another lottery pick next season.