• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, December 17, 2025

What Does the Paul George Trade Mean Financially for the Thunder?

George to make less than Oladipo in 17–18 season.

Paul George will now team up with Russell Westbrook in OKC. Image via NBA.com/Getty Images

With NBA free agency upon us, the Thunder have made the biggest splash of the night so far.

Paul George has officially been traded to OKC for Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis.


Beyond improving the Thunder on the court, the trade opens up cap space for the team as Oladipo’s contract carries a higher cap hit than does George’s.

In 2017–18, George’s contract will carry a cap hit of $19,508,958 while Oladipo’s contract will carry a cap hit of $21,000,000.

While the move does free up cap space for the Thunder, according to spotrac, the team still currently sits at $9 million dollars over the projected 2017 NBA Salary Cap of $99 million. Because of this, the team may only sign outside players using any available exceptions or at league minimum salaries.

With the move, it is obvious that Sam Presti, Oklahoma City’s General Manager, is going all in hoping that Russell Westbrook will sign a max extension once free agency opens.

Whether he signs it now or next summer, it appears that Westbrook will get his supermax extension valued at well over $200 million.

While the moves in Oklahoma City are far from done, two names to look for as it strikes midnight is the resigning of Andre Roberson and a possible steal in signing veteran power forward Zach Randolph.


Front Office Sports is a leading multi-platform publication and industry resource that covers the intersection of business and sports.

Want to learn more, or have a story featured about you or your organization? Contact us today.

https://upscri.be/f32ae1

If you liked this, click the???? below so other people will see this here on Medium.


Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Terry Rozier

DOJ Raises Alarm About Terry Rozier Paying Friend’s Legal Fees

Prosecutors say Rozier has been paying for De’Niro Laster’s lawyer.
Chris Paul

NBA Trade Chaos Can Officially Start Now

A few players will be trade-eligible only starting Jan. 15.

Wemby’s Return Sends Spurs to an Unexpected NBA Cup Final

Victor Wembanyama sparks an upset of the defending champion Thunder.
Dec 9, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) dribbles against Toronto Raptors guard Jamal Shead (23) during the first half at the 2025-26 NBA Emirates Cup at Scotiabank Arena

The Lucrative NBA Cup Is Here to Stay

The in-season tournament, launched in 2023, is turning into a staple.

Featured Today

How Pickleball Became One Massive Private-Equity Rollup

Pickleball roads lead back to billionaire Tom Dundon.
The Los Angeles Chargers host executives from UCLA Health on Wednesday, August 7, 2024 at The Bolt in El Segundo, CA.
December 7, 2025

The Multibillion-Dollar Business of Pro Athlete Recovery

What started as ice baths has evolved into a multibillion-dollar industry.
Big League Wiffle Ball
November 29, 2025

Celebrity-Backed Wiffle Ball Has Big-League Aspirations

Big League Wiffle Ball team owners include Kevin Costner and David Adelman.
November 24, 2025

How NBA Arena Experiences Went Ultra-Luxe

For the most connected guests, the game has become a secondary attraction.

Big 12 Closing In On Potential $500M Private Capital Deal

The era of private capital in college sports has fully arrived.
Fernando Tatis
October 6, 2025

Arbitrator Says Fernando Tatis Jr. Must Pay Big League Advance Millions

Tatis has called the agreement a “predatory” loan.
NBA Cup
November 26, 2025

Luka Dončić Wants ‘Dangerous’ NBA Cup Court Designs Changed

Dončić first complained about the court designs two seasons ago.
Sponsored

Brian Hoyer: Patriots Lessons, NIL Chaos & His Post-NFL Career

The former Patriots QB talks to FOS about college football’s radical transformation.
September 3, 2025

Ohio State–Texas Showdown Was Most-Watched Week 1 CFB Game Ever

Fox drew 16.62 million viewers on Saturday afternoon.
Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Woodi Washington (5) runs after a reception during the Armed Forces Bowl football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Navy Midshipmen at Amon G. Carter Stadium in Fort Worth, Texas, Friday, Dec. 27, 2024.
August 19, 2025

Oklahoma Selling Fans Tickets to Press Conferences

Press conference tickets for the Sooners’ season opener are already sold out.
August 11, 2025

NBA Christmas Schedule Leans on LeBron, Steph While Betting on Flagg

The Lakers, Warriors, and Rockets are all in action.
August 10, 2025

Bears CEO: Arlington Heights Only Local Location for New Stadium

The Bears currently play in Soldier Field in downtown Chicago.