Sunday, July 26, 2026

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.


This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Engelbert Dodges Question on Her Future as Commissioner

The WNBA commissioner has been under pressure over multiple perceived scandals.
May 7, 2026; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first half during game two of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Prediction Markets Had No Clue Where LeBron Was Going

Philadelphia’s chances on Kalshi spiked just before the news broke.

WNBA Union Leaders Sidestep Cathy Engelbert Questions 

Engelbert will speak at a press conference Saturday.
Feb 7, 2019; Spokane, WA, USA; ESPN personality Neil Everett looks on during a game between the San Francisco Dons and Gonzaga Bulldogs in the second half at McCarthey Athletic Center. The Bulldogs won 92-62. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Opinion

Is This the Cruel New Reality of Sports Media Layoffs?

Layoffs in Portland and Bristol this week were especially cold-blooded.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/24/26 – Mark Cuban Buys Into A’s, Raiders Sign Mendoza, Sophie Cunningham’s Meteoric Rise

0:00

Featured Today

Tom's Watch Bar

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium
July 16, 2026

Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats

The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.
July 10, 2026

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
St. John's Zuby Ejiofor

Why Rev-Share Era Hasn’t Been a Boon for Basketball-Only Schools

Power conference men’s basketball rosters aren’t restricted to the rev-share cap.
NBA Cup
November 26, 2025

Luka Dončić Wants ‘Dangerous’ NBA Cup Court Designs Changed

Dončić first complained about the court designs two seasons ago.
February 11, 2026

Jameis Winston Says He’s Given Seven Figures to Florida State

Winston led Florida State football to its last national championship. 
Sponsored

Inside the EY 2026 Sports Engagement Index: The Real Map of American Sports Participation

EY’s latest index explores how shifting U.S. fan behaviors are expanding the definition of sports engagement.
Fernando Tatis
October 6, 2025

Arbitrator Says Tatis Jr. Must Pay Big League Advance Millions

Tatis has called the agreement a “predatory” loan.
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 Slate Leans on LeBron, Steph; Bets on Flagg

The Lakers, Warriors, and Rockets are all in action.