The Oklahoma City Thunder pulled the rug from under their contenders' feet and snatched All-Star swingman Paul George from the Indiana Pacers only a few hours prior to the start of the free agency period.

The Thunder weren't even in the picture to sign the Pacers' talisman, but made a strong move in hopes to keep the reigning MVP Russell Westbrook within the confines of the franchise with a contract extension.

The move for George was so sudden, that the Oklahoma City Police Twitter account thanked fans for reporting the “theft” of the 6-foot-9 swingman.

Article Continues Below
More Thunder News
Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) reacts during the third quarter of the game against the Indiana Pacers in game three of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Brian Windhorst reveals the Thunder-Pacers matchup that could dictate Game 4Zachary Weinberger ·
Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (55) dunks against the Indiana Pacers during the first half during game three of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Thunder’s Isaiah Hartenstein downplays Pacers’ home-court advantageJosue Pavon ·
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) reacts to a play during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder in game three of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton makes unexpected NBA Finals history vs. ThunderTomer Azarly ·
Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) finishes off a dunk in the fourth quarter against the LA Clippers at Ball Arena.
Russell Westbrook’s 10 greatest accomplishments, rankedSpencer See ·
Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) during the fourth quarter in game three of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse with the Lakers logo in the background
Alex Caruso reveals differences between Thunder, Lakers NBA Finals runsJosue Pavon ·
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault signals to his team during the third quarter against the Indiana Pacers in game three of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse
Thunder’s Mark Daigneault opens up about managing emotions amid 2-1 deficitJosue Pavon ·

The Thunder sent Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis in return — two young pieces for the Pacers to star again with even more departures following George's.