In a minor shock, Paul George committed to sign with the Oklahoma City Thunder just as 2018 NBA free agency was set to officially begin, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Woj reports that George agreed to a 4-year deal worth $137 million, with a player option for 2021-22.

The Thunder traded for the All-Star wing a year ago despite rampant, credible reports that George planned to sign with the L.A. Lakers as a free agent this summer. Instead, OKC locked PG-13 up without the Lakers even getting a(n official) meeting with the free agent.

OKC’s big bet paid off as they will now have two stars — George and Russell Westbrook — under contract for the next couple of seasons. Unfortunately, a team led by those two stars and Carmelo Anthony got laughed out of the NBA playoffs by the Utah Jazz this spring … and Anthony opted into his massive deal.

That liability, plus George’s new deal and other commitments, could mean a hefty luxury tax bill for the small market Thunder, assuming OKC doesn’t trade Steven Adams (making $24 million) or stretch Melo’s contract.

This is what makes George’s quick decision so striking: he had a potential opportunity to team up with LeBron James with the Lakers, or to sign with the rising Philadelphia 76ers or contending Houston Rockets. Instead, he chose to stay in a less promising basketball situation in one of the least glamorous markets in the league, and did it without taking any other (official) meetings. That says something about George’s priorities, his belief in Westbrook and the renowned Thunder organization, and his comfort in Oklahoma City over the past year.