The Oklahoma City Thunder traded for star forward Paul George last summer with the knowledge that he would certainly be hitting free agency in the summer of 2018. The hope, however, was that this season alongside 2017 MVP Russell Westbrook would convince George to re-sign with the Thunder and create a lethal duo in Oklahoma City.

Unfortunately, the team was bounced in the first round by a strong Utah Jazz team. Once the series was lost, everyone dubbed George as gone from OKC, but as the offseason began, rumors began circling that George could indeed return to the Thunder this summer. Now, according to Marc Stein of the New York Times, those talks have heated up as the talk around the league has George re-signing with the Thunder.

“Since last week’s newsletter item about the Thunder’s better-than-expected chances of retaining the All-Star forward Paul George in free agency, I’ve heard even more support around the league for the idea that Oklahoma City can really convince George to stay.

No deal is done until it’s done, as they say, so there will be no tangible relief in O.K.C. until George officially spurns his hometown Los Angeles Lakers this summer to stay put alongside Russell Westbrook. Kevin Durant’s departure in 2016 is still too fresh — as is George’s well-chronicled interest to play in L.A. — for any premature celebrations.”

George could opt for a two-year deal with an opt out after one season, says Stein. That makes the most sense for him because he could then enter free agency again in the summer of 2019, when a lot of teams could be in play for the five-time NBA All-Star.

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“It has reached the point that potential contract scenarios are starting to circulate. More than one rival team has suggested to me that they expect George to strongly consider a two-year deal with the Thunder at $30.3 million next season and $32.7 million in 2019-20 that includes a player option to return to free agency next summer.”

George finished this past season with the Thunder averaging 21.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 2.0 steals, and 3.1 three-pointers per game on 43 percent shooting from the field and 40.1 percent from beyond the arc.