To begin the 2017 NBA offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers were heavily linked with Paul George, who was eyeing a return to his hometown after seven seasons with the Indiana Pacers. As the Lakers debated trading young prospects versus waiting until next year's free agency, the Oklahoma City Thunder shockingly acquired George in exchange for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis.

With George teaming up with Russell Westbrook, there are questions if playing with another superstar will entice him to sign a long-term deal with Oklahoma City. According to Royce Young of ESPN, the odds remain the same regardless of the change in scenery:

The Thunder will potentially have a full season to persuade George to re-sign along with Westbrook. However, general manager Sam Presti has not been shy to trade away great players ahead of free agency if he believes they ultimately will not be able to re-sign them. If it does not work out, the Thunder were successfully able to get out of Victor Oladipo's four-year, $84 million contract extension.

With the Lakers clearing cap space to sign two max contract players next summer, they are still expected to be the Thunder's major threat. With speculation surrounding LeBron James' uncertain future with the Cleveland Cavaliers, they could potentially join forces with the team's young core of Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram, and Julius Randle.