Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander announced his decision to pass on the opportunity to play with Team Canada ahead of the upcoming FIBA 2019 World Cup in China.

The young floor general isn't playing in the competition after he was part of a trade that sent Paul George to his former team, the LA Clippers, whom he shined with in his first year in the league:

“With much though I have made a difficult decision not to participate with Team Canada this summer,” read his tweet. “I will take the time to get ready for the upcoming season and also ensure that I'm in the best position to take full advantage of my second professional year. I'm wishing the national program nothing but success and look forward to participating in future Team Canada events. #GoCanada.”

Gilgeous-Alexander is one of many who have chosen to take this summer and dedicate it to their craft and the chemistry with their new teams, as he was part of more than a third of players who have changed homes over the course of the past five weeks.

The Thunder view the 21-year-old as a bright piece for the future and intend to make the most out of his talents, now that they have chosen to undergo a rebuild without Russell Westbrook and George.

Others like Jamal Murray, Andrew Wiggins and RJ Barrett have also declined their invitation to take part in Canada's quest for an Olympic bid, which they could get by finishing among the top two teams from the Americas.