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The Oklahoma City Thunder find themselves in quite a predicament. They have started the season poorly, going just 12-14 through their first 26 games, and are currently on the outside looking in for a playoff spot in the West.
But perhaps more crucially, their poor start has potentially affected the future of Paul George, as ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski explains.
Article Continues Below“The decision with Paul George is made easier if this team isn't playing well. They have a $24 million luxury tax bill, which is a big number for a small-market team. … If the owner says ‘Hey, we don’t look like a team right now that’s competing for a championship…
“It is very unlikely, in two months, [George] is going to say to them, ‘I know unequivocally that I am staying.' There is no reason for Paul to tell them that and then Sam Presti has to make a decision.”
Basically, the Thunder have to start winning right about now in order to convince ownership that this expensive group is worth keeping together. But if they don't, it will force ownership to instruct Presti to shed salary, which likely means getting rid of George by the trade deadline.
The Thunder knew the risk of acquiring George in the last year of his deal despite his unwillingness to commit his long-term future to the franchise. Their plan was to sell George on the team by becoming a true title contender alongside Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony.
That obviously hasn't come to fruition (yet), and they could soon be forced to deal with the consequences of their gamble earlier than expected if things don’t improve soon.
