Thunder star Paul George discussed free agency with Kawhi Leonard

Ameer Tyree
March 22, 2019 18:13 MYT
Paul George has spoken to Kawhi Leonard about his impending free agency, but he's keeping the details secret.

George was traded to Oklahoma City by Indiana before 2017-18. He was rumored to be interested in joining the Lakers in free agency after that year but ultimately decided to sign a four-year deal with the Thunder.

Leonard, who was traded to the Raptors this past offseason, now faces a similar situation in Toronto. Perhaps George felt he could impart some knowledge onto Leonard.

When asked about the specifics of their exchange on Friday, the Thunder star responded: "That's between us."

Paul George said he's spoken to Kawhi about his experience in a similar situation last year (coming to a new team and facing free agency before ultimately deciding to stay in OKC). What advice did he have? "That's between us."

— Josh Lewenberg (@JLew1050) March 22, 2019
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Leonard, 27, is a California native like George and is rumored to be interested in returning home to play for the Clippers. However, he's having a nice campaign north of the border averaging 27 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game for the Raptors, who sit at second in the Eastern Conference standings.

Toronto traded franchise player DeMar DeRozan to land Leonard and is expected to make a strong effort in an attempt to retain the 6-7 forward with a long-term deal this summer.

George was persuaded to stay in Oklahoma City, but it's unclear if his words to Leonard will hold any weight when his time for a decision arrives.

The Thunder face the Raptors at 7:30 p.m. ET on Friday

#Paul George #Toronto Raptors #Oklahoma City Thunder #Kawhi Leonard #NBA #basketball