NBA free agency got an early start Friday when news hit that All Star forward Paul George had been traded from the Indiana Pacers to the Oklahoma City Thunder. Jenni Carlson of the Oklahoman joined the show Wednesday to discuss the trade and the Thunder’s future moving forward.
Carlson said even she was surprised by the small return the Pacers accepted for Paul George.
“The Thunder gave up essentially two promising guys, but nobody near close to that stature. Clearly the Pacers knew they would have to wheel and deal to get anything for Paul George, but still, it is a pretty big shocker to think that the rest of the Thunder roster was left fairly intact from that gigantic move.
Carlson also talked about the shock we all saw when the move had been finalized.
“They just don’t let news leak. They don’t have a bunch of people that feel compelled to holler at their close compatriots in the media or the blogosphere to say, ‘Hey, we’re doing this’.”
Carlson also said, this wasn’t just a move to get Paul, this move was to send a message to others on the roster.
“As much as they want to roll the dice and see what they can do with Paul George, I think this is also a way for them to make a statement to Russel Westbrook.”
Take a listen to the great interview and stay tuned to Rip City Radio for all your updates on NBA free agency.