[ESPN] How Kawhi pulled Paul George away from OKC

Juxtaposed Jolt · Jul 6, 2019

https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/27130335/how-kawhi-pulled-paul-george-away-okc

But George felt like it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, to play at home in LA, alongside a generational talent like Leonard. So in the middle of the week he went to Oklahoma City general manager Sam Presti and asked for a trade -- to the Clippers.

Presti was crestfallen. Just a year ago he'd been rewarded for taking a risk and trading for George when he eschewed all other free-agent meetings and agreed to a four-year contract to remain in Oklahoma City. It was a validation of everything Presti had built and believed in. And while this felt like a repudiation of that, Presti understood.

Superstar players in the modern NBA have tremendous power. Contracts don't really matter. Leonard forced his way from San Antonio with a year remaining on his deal. Anthony Davis forced his way out of New Orleans with a year and a half left. George forced his way out of Indiana with a year left. Jimmy Butler forced his way out of Minnesota with a year left. Kyrie Irving forced his way out of Cleveland with two years left.

You don't have to trade a player once he asks to be moved. But usually you wish you did, as the unhappy superstar and corresponding chaos these situations create thwart any chance at team building.
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My question is, was PG in the wrong? He signed a contract just last year because he believed in OKC / Westbrook...but then turns right around and tries to force his way out of his situation. Didn't even want to stick around to see how OKC might turn out.

Normally, if a player is getting screwed by incompetent management (see: Anthony Davis and Pelicans), then no one besides that city's fan base would criticize the player for wanting out. But it didn't even seem like George gave OKC a real shot at trying to team-build.

To me, PG was disloyal to OKC and Westbrook.

Forums

[ESPN] How Kawhi pulled Paul George away from OKC

Was this a dick move by Paul George?

Yes, it was. PG should have remained "faithful" to OKC.

No, it was not. George has the right to want out, whenever.

Juxtaposed Jolt Member

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