Paul George is hinting that he'll be staying in Oklahoma City after this season is over.
George, who will become a free agent this Summer, told ESPN's Rachel Nichols that his decision is "becoming even more easier to make" after recent comments made by Russell Westbrook.
Just hours after the All-Star reserves were revealed, a frustrated Westbrook spoke to reporters about how "unbelievable" and "outrageous" it was that a guy like Paul George was left off the roster. Westbrook also praised his teammate for being among the top two at his position.
As a result of Westbrook's public display of support, George appears to be leaning towards staying with the Thunder.
"Russ is the reason why this decision is becoming even more easier to make, is the character Russ [has]," George said. "A stand-up guy, and he has his teammate's back."
"We were actually joking before he went up there, and I'm like, 'Nah, Russ, man, just let it go, let it go Russ. It is what it is, I wasn't picked,' and he was like, 'Nah, man, P, that's messed up. I'm gonna tell them something about that,'" George said.
"It was awesome for a teammate to have your back and to stand up. And to be honest, he should be a starter. He's been the MVP, been the best player at his position. He should've been a starter. But that's another story. But the fact Russ had my back, that's my guy forever, and it's more apparent what this decision needs to be made when it comes down to it."
Of course, there's still plenty of time between now and July when George officially becomes a free agent, but Westbrook is certainly doing everything he can to make George's decision that much easier.
The Thunder, 27-20, are currently sitting in the fifth seed in the Western Conference. They'll host the Washington Wizards tonight at 8pm ET in the first game of TNT's Thursday night double-header.
