Paul George opts out, becomes free agent

[CelticsElite]

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/23932292/paul-george-informs-oklahoma-city-thunder-become-unrestricted-free-agent


George, who will decline a $20.7 million salary for the 2018-19 season, remains seriously interested in returning to the Thunder in free agency, league sources said. The Los Angeles Lakers will receive serious consideration too, sources said.

Several teams, including Philadelphia and Houston, are interested in pursuing George too, league sources said.

Before his trade, George had told the Pacers that he planned to sign with the Lakers in free agency this summer. Nevertheless, Oklahoma City GM Sam Presti, coach Billy Donovan and Westbrook have made a strong case on a future with the Thunder and moved the franchise into contention with the Lakers.

[saltlover]

Only way he could sign a max deal with any team, including OKC, was to opt out.  This was a foregone conclusion — there was no way he was going to play for a $10 million discount.

EDIT: You edited your post, so my reply makes less sense.

[SparzWizard]

Here comes the Lakers courting Paul George!!!

[Birdman]

He will sign there no doubt..he always wanted to play in LA

[jpotter33]

Houston would be a really interesting fit for Paul and could potentially get them to the GS level, though I’m not sure how they can afford him and Capela.

[BitterJim]

Houston would be a really interesting fit for Paul and could potentially get them to the GS level, though I’m not sure how they can afford him and Capela.

If they wanted to, they could bring in Noel as a cheap (potential) replacement for Capella

Dwight probably isn't an option for them, though

[saltlover]

Houston would be a really interesting fit for Paul and could potentially get them to the GS level, though I’m not sure how they can afford him and Capela.

Capela isn’t really the problem. His cap hold is only $7 million.  It’s moving Ryan Anderson’s contract.  If they dump that and let every free agent go, including Chris Paul, they’d have room for George and Capela.