Earlier, it was announced that Russell Westbrook would be hosting a party in Oklahoma City that Paul George would be attending. When that news came down, it sparked the rumors of the last few days pointing to Geroge returning to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

George confirmed that he would be staying with the Thunder shortly before 11 pm local time announcing on stage at the party:

“I'm here to stay.”

The Los Angeles Lakers, where many believed he would go didn't even get a chance to make a pitch for him. He was traded to the Thunder almost a year ago and most at that time believed it would only be a one-year rental before he bolts to Los Angeles.

The Thunder had a plan when they traded for him, and it seems that it has worked out. George hinted that he was going to to be staying after the season, but most looked past it and believed that he would sign with the Lakers.

“So that was the case. That's been the case here,” George said via ESPN. “They honestly check the boxes where I needed those boxes to be checked from what a player wants and needs out of a front office, out of a medical group, out of teammates, out of coaching staff. I mean, honestly, they can't say it anymore that. They checked the boxes on what needs to be checked.”

According to Adrian Wojnarowski, the deal is for four years and $137 million. The last year of the deal is a player option.