The Oklahoma City Thunder's Paul George will apparently head into free agency in search of a new team, according to NBA rumors. The 2017 NBA All-Star played for one season as NBA MVP Russell Westbrook's teammate, but expectations weren't met after a first-round playoff exit. It's now believed that George will join a different squad for the 2018-19 NBA season. Here are the latest details on Paul George's upcoming free agency and where he might head.

George is 'gone,' source says

A trusted source recently told ESPN's Ryen Russillo that Paul George is as good as "gone" from the Oklahoma City Thunder after just one season with the team.

When asked if that meant to L.A., Russillo said, "I don’t know where. It’s a ‘He’s gone’ deal." The five-time NBA All-Star teamed up with fellow All-Star players Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony to try to create a new OKC "Big Three." While playing for the Thunder, George averaged 21.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and a career-high two steals per game.

Despite making the All-Star team as a reserve and playing well in OKC, there had been NBA rumors throughout the season that this would merely be a pitstop for the former Indiana Pacers star. There was also quite a bit of criticism directed at Westbrook, mainly about him being a difficult teammate. Despite those arguments, George seemed to work well with the NBA MVP and even praised him during the season.

However, OKC was unable to defeat the Utah Jazz in their first-round NBA Playoffs series despite looking like they had a good deal of star power on their roster.

L.A. Lakers next?

Most of the NBA rumors involving Paul George even before he went to the Oklahoma City Thunder suggested he would be heading to the Los Angeles Lakers as soon as he became a free agent.

Those rumors seem to have intensified now that this new report has arrived. Magic Johnson and company have made it clear that they have the cap space to work with and are interested in bringing up to two major stars to Los Angeles. That could mean Paul George and LeBron James, or any other combination.

While the Los Angeles Lakers are the first team that most analysts and fans will mention, there could be other players once Paul George hits free agency.

The San Antonio Spurs are a team that could be dealing with the departure of their small forward Kawhi Leonard. In addition, a team such as the Philadelphia 76ers or any number of contending teams might look to add George to their roster to give them a better chance to win an NBA Championship next season.
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