How each blockbuster free agent decision impacts the Utah Jazz

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DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 01: Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder reacts after making a game-tying three point basket at Pepsi Center on February 1, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. 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. (Photo by Timothy Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /

Paul George elects to stay in OKC

If you had told me at the start of the season that Paul George would remain with the Oklahoma City Thunder for longer than the year he had left on his contract when he was traded there, I would have never believed it. Yet, lo and behold, the Thunder front office and players (particularly Russell Westbrook) worked their magic, and here we are – PG is there to stay and has committed long term.

This is a pretty big deal and an even bigger shock considering how dead set he appeared to be on signing with the Los Angeles Lakers just over a year ago. Keeping a star of his caliber is obviously huge for the Thunder franchise, but what does it mean for the Jazz?

In short, it means that the Northwest Division will remain one of, if not the toughest division in the league. Each of the five teams are stacked with All-Stars, rising talent or some combination of the two. OKC’s 2017-18 campaign, which was ended at the hands of the Utah Jazz, most definitely didn’t go the way they had hoped. However, PG coming back means that they could very well be formidable next year.

They experienced growing pains throughout the year and the Andre Roberson injury was more devastating to them than people realize. If they can put things together next year, I certainly expect the Thunder to be competing for a top-4 seed in the West once again.

https://twitter.com/JoshEberley/status/1013812909829324803

They’ll likewise remain a tough divisional rival of the Utah Jazz, especially due to last year’s playoff series. Paul George’s return will ensure that it’s a tough matchup for the Jazz and will make the Thunder yet another daunting obstacle that Utah will have to overcome in the Western Conference.

Some may point to the fact that OKC is spending a ton of money and don’t appear to be improving much from last season. While I agree with that to an extent, I also believe that they’ll be much better next season. Their cohesion will immediately be leaps and bounds ahead of where it was before and Paul George’s decision to stay almost assuredly keeps them in the ranks of the West’s playoff contenders.

Will his return along with increased cohesion make them better than the Jazz in either the regular or postseason? Only time will tell there, but thanks to George’s decision to see things through in OKC, expect both teams to be neck-and-neck with one another all throughout the year.

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