Following a tough and strenuous start to the season for the Oklahoma City Thunder, there were talks of trading All-Star small forward Paul George.  After being traded from the Indiana Pacers in the offseason, George finds himself almost halfway through the season and his team is beginning to click.  When the Thunder struggled in the early parts of the season, trade rumors began to swirl.  In the midst of these trade talks, general manager Sam Presti has shown his trust in Paul George.  OKC’s plan is to convince George of the championship path that they see with him.  

Before the blockbuster trade this summer with George, it was assumed that he was going to the Los Angeles Lakers after this season and his contract is up.  Although now that he has been traded to the Thunder, it’s obvious that they want George to stay for the long term.  Their pitch is to convince him over the whole season that what they are doing is able to bring George a ring.  

To make a pitch at the end of the year is fruitless, and the only way to convince George is to get wins this season and make a playoff push.  The Thunder will also hope for the Lakers to continue their drama to make their organization seem more and more faulty.  Production this year from OKC will be the key to signing Paul George back for future championship pushes.

Photo Credit: http://nbafamily.wikia.com/wiki/Paul_George