Paul George made sure he left Oklahoma City on the right foot, even after requesting a trade that ultimately landed him in Los Angeles.
George will join Kawhi Leonard on the Clippers, but before he gets settled, he thanked the Thunder after spending two seasons with the team.
"Thank you Oklahoma for 2 great years, you took me in as one of your own from the day I touched down," George wrote on Instagram. "Thank you to the fans who make representing those 3 letters mean something. Thank you to Sam and Clay for being the best management a franchise and player could ask for.
"Thank you to the friends within the organization that took care of my family and I whenever we needed help. The picture shown is a bond that can’t be broken I truly loved and enjoyed the race from start to finish. Thank you OKLAHOMA! You already know what it is @russwest44! Love brodie!"
George's agent, Aaron Mintz, had called the Thunder to request a trade on behalf of his client a few days ago, according to ESPN, which cited unidentified sources.
Leonard was heavily recruiting George to join him with the Clippers, even though George had signed a four-year deal with the Thunder last offseason.
The Thunder could have denied George's request and tried to make it work, but they reportedly were concerned it could turn into a situation similar to Anthony Davis' departure from the Pelicans.
Oklahoma City finished the regular season in sixth position in the Western Conference with a 49-33 record. The Thunder had a disappointing early exit from the playoffs after the Trail Blazers eliminated them in five games.
George averaged 28 points on 43.8% shooting. He also averaged 8.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 77 games last season.
