The J-Notes
Fansided

Utah Jazz: Several potentially fitting free agents snatched up in early hours

By Jared Woodcox

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 27: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz and Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder hug after Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2018 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - APRIL 27: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz and Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder hug after Game Six of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2018 NBA Playoffs on April 27, 2018 at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – APRIL 25: Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder talks with Lesley McCaslin after Game Five of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Utah Jazz on April 25, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – APRIL 25: Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder talks with Lesley McCaslin after Game Five of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Utah Jazz on April 25, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Paul George

Far and above the biggest name to decide his destination on Sunday morning was Oklahoma City Thunder star Paul George. Much to the shock of many people, he opted to remain in OKC to keep his apparent friendship with Russell Westbrook intact.

It was merely a year ago that George claimed that his intention was to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers the second he hit free agency, thus the Indiana Pacers traded him away. Seeing the Thunder manage to convince him to stay has to sting Indy somewhat, but at least they got a rising star in Victor Oladipo out of the deal. This decision is a testament to the culture that the Thunder have established as well as the savviness of their front office.

But after faltering against the Utah Jazz in the first round of the playoffs, OKC clearly still has a lot to figure out. Regardless, George is apparently in for the long haul, as he shockingly agreed to a four-year, $137 million max deal. It should be noted, however, that it includes a player option which will increase George’s flexibility near the end of the contract.

George was never a feasible Jazz target. As much as we wanted to believe that Donovan Mitchell could figure out a way to woo him to Salt Lake City, I think we all knew that was a pipe dream at best. Still, now that his return to OKC is official, you can completely count out the long-shot possibility of him joining the Utah Jazz.

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