Paul George recently addressed one of the most common misconceptions about him during his appearance on “The Pivot Podcast.” When asked what false belief people often have about him, the Philadelphia 76ers star responded without hesitation: the idea that he’s someone who just “cops out” on his teams.
“PG-13” made it clear that this idea is completely off, especially when it comes to how he left the Oklahoma City Thunder. The 35-year-old said many fans are quick to judge without realizing the full story behind his decision at the time.
George’s trade saga
Back in 2019, when rumors began swirling about George possibly leaving the Thunder, many fans felt a strong sense of déjà vu.
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Just two years earlier, the 6’8″ swingman had been the face of the Indiana Pacers. But after a tough 2017 first-round playoff exit — a 4-0 sweep by the Cleveland Cavaliers — his future with the team became uncertain. Reportedly unhappy with the direction of the franchise, he was eventually traded to Oklahoma City in a major deal.
Fast forward to the 2018-19 season, George’s second year with OKC. Despite a strong regular performonce, the team was eliminated in the first round by the Utah Jazz. Following that, questions about the All-Star’s commitment arose, with reports suggesting that “PG-13” was ready to move on. He eventually did, joining the Los Angeles Clippers in another blockbuster trade during the 2019 NBA offseason.
There are definitely some similarities, yet as the California native now explains, walking away from both teams wasn’t something he chose on his own.
“I wanted to be in Indie. That didn’t work out. Oklahoma — I wanted to be in Oklahoma. It wasn’t up to me. People don’t know it wasn’t up to me,” explained George.
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When Russ left, everything changed for “PG-13”
In the podcast episode, “PG-13” emphasized that he was committed to a long-term future with OKC. Despite interest from major suitors, he signed a lucrative four-year deal in 2018 after a single season with the NBA team.
The one-time steals leader had strong belief in the Thunder’s vision, largely due to his partnership with point guard Russell Westbrook, the emotional leader and face of the franchise.
However, as Paul mentioned, everything changed a year later when he heard rumors that Russ was considering leaving Oklahoma City after more than a decade there. While he understood why his star teammate wanted a change, the now-Sixers veteran knew it would have major implications.
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“That’s cool. Like, I have no problem with that,” he said about Westbrook potentially leaving. “But now I’m trying to figure out what’s best for me in this situation.”
Upon thinking it over, the 2013 Most Improved Player realized the dynamic would never be the same, and when Westbrook eventually joined the Houston Rockets, George knew that even though he was contractually tied, it was better to leave as well.
“I’m not about to stay in Oklahoma by myself. But people think that I’m the one who originated getting out and blowing that team up. Like, no,” Paul explained.
“PG-13” eventually decided to ask for a trade, feeling it was time to move on rather than stay with the team by himself.
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Now, about five years later, George is still confident that his decision was justified and that the circumstances at the time pushed him to make that choice.