OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - APRIL 25: Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder talks with Lesley McCaslin after Game Five of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs against the Utah Jazz on April 25, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)

OKC Thunder Don’t take him for Granted – Delirium continues as Jerami Grant re-signs by Rylan Stiles

Talk is cheap. Paul George silenced critics by verbally agreeing to sign with the OKC Thunder.

June 30th, 2018 will be a date OKC Thunder fans will always remember. A year ago today, the franchise picked themselves up from the ground, and got another star. They traded for Paul George, pairing him along side the scorned Russell Westbrook.

Paul George has been traded to OKC, per sources — Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 1, 2017

At that time, it was certain to be a one year rental. Sam Presti and the OKC Thunder pushed all their chips in. After the 2017-18 campaign it was off to LA for the California kid. If you ask Sam Presti, he would tell you that was never the vibe in OKC. “Scared Money don’t make none.” Presti said in Paul George’s documentary. He mentioned the fact he always had faith that once George was introduced to the culture the OKC Thunder have built, he would strongly consider staying.

Today, on the year anniversary, George agreed to ink a new deal with the OKC Thunder. Paul George is here to stay.

Paul George has committed to sign a deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder, league sources tell ESPN. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2018

In his own words:

You heard it here first. pic.twitter.com/jN6gBn6j1Z — Gabe Ikard (@GabeIkard) July 1, 2018

George would not answer Ikard on how long PG intends to stay in OKC. It will at least be another year. For OKC Thunder fans, still heartbroken over Kevin Durant that is enough.

Paul George is staying in OKC. He didn’t answer me about a 2&1 or 5 year deal but I will take it. — Gabe Ikard (@GabeIkard) July 1, 2018

The native LA player did not even take a meeting with the home town Los Angeles Lakers. Instead, he hopped on a plane, and joined Russell Westbrook in OKC for a party.

Let me tell you about my best friend:

I think what we've really underestimated is the partnership Paul George and Russell Westbrook have built. "This is a friendship decision to stay in OKC as much as anything," one rival executive tells me — Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 1, 2018

Russell Westbrook has long been criticized for being a “bad teammate”, and someone “No one wants to play with.” A report like this, forces guys like Colin Cowherd to pipe down.

Celebrate Oklahoma. An NBA All-Star picked to stay “in the middle of no where.” over his home town. Paul George elected OKC over the bright lights of L.A. This is a historic day for the OKC Thunder franchise, the city of Oklahoma City, and the state of Oklahoma.

Related: Complete NBA Free Agency and offseason primer

What we know now:

Sam Presti pulled the rabbit out of his hat yet again. The OKC Thunder general manager inked Paul George to a 4-year pact. The deal includes a player option, allowing Paul George to opt out after 3-years.

Paul George has agreed to a four-year, $137M max contract with the Thunder, league source tells ESPN. Deal includes a player option. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 1, 2018

Never forget where you were on June 30th, 2018.