Paul George says his exit from the Oklahoma City Thunder was mutual and that “the time was up.”

The Thunder got bounced in the first round of the playoffs in the two years George was in OKC. The Thunder are embarking on a new chapter of their organization, as after they traded George to the Clippers, they sent former MVP Russell Westbrook to the Houston Rockets.

The Thunder lost to the Utah Jazz in six games in 2018 and to the Portland Trail Blazers in five games in 2019. It was evident Paul George and Russell Westbrook had reached their peak as a duo.

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When George signed that four-year, $136.9 million contract with OKC last summer, everyone thought the All-Star swingman would play out that deal with the Thunder. Things change, though. Kawhi Leonard was able to convince George to request a trade to the Clippers. PG is from LA and grew up a Clippers fan.

George had a stellar regular season in 2018-19. He averaged 28.0 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 43.8 percent from the field, 38.6 percent from beyond the arc and 83.9 percent from the free-throw line. OKC just ran into a hot Blazers team in the playoffs led by star point guard Damian Lillard.

It's going to be interesting to see what type of reception George gets next season from Thunder fans. That game will probably be on national television.