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Billy Donovan Still Can’t Help But Think About Paul George’s Trade Request

In last year’s summer, Paul George signed a four-year deal worth $137 million with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and surprised everyone, as most people believed he was Lakers bound.

George then said he loved playing alongside Russell Westbrook and for the Thunder. He went on to average career-highs across the board with 28.0 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists, and ended the season being third in MVP voting.

Then, this summer, the Thunder were “caught off guard” by Paul George’s sudden trade request and wanted to trade him as quickly as possible to avoid a Anthony Davis-New Orleans Pelicans like situation, which eventually they ended up doing, as you all know.

OKC head coach Billy Donovan still can’t help but think about George’s trade request, not least because he thought that George was happy with the team. Per Berry Tramel of The Oklahoman:

“I was taken back, because … I think Paul enjoyed his time here. I do think when he first came here, there was a lot of speculation. ‘This is only going to be a one-year experiment and then he’s going to want to get back to LA.’ Paul’s obviously got a lot of ties and affinity for LA and where he’s from. I get that part of it. I get that part for his family. His mom and dad are great people. Yeah, It catches you.”