Thunder GM Sam Presti 'Really Encouraged' by Paul George Dialogue

As Paul George ponders his future before potentially becoming a free agent this offseason, Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti is optimistic about where things stand with the five-time All-Star.

Per Brett Dawson of The Oklahoman, Presti said Wednesday the Thunder's discussions with George so far have "really encouraged us.”

George holds a player option for next season worth $20.7 million, per Spotrac. The Thunder have the ability to offer him a max contract worth up to $177 million over five years. Other teams can only give him a maximum of four years and $132 million if he becomes a free agent this summer. 

Presti's comments about George come one day after ESPN's Ryen Russillo noted on the most recent episode of his podcast that a trusted source told him the 27-year-old "is gone" from the Thunder. 

After being acquired from the Indiana Pacers last July, George finished second on the Thunder with 21.9 points and 3.3 assists per game this season.

The Thunder finished fourth in the Western Conference with a 48-34 record but were eliminated from the playoffs in the first round in six games by the Utah Jazz.