Paul George took a 3-plus-1 contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Zach Lowe describes the contract as "strange, no matter how folks spin it. It indicates some lack of faith among George's camp that he will be max-level player in two or three seasons."

George could have signed a new contract worth 35 percent of the cap after Year 2 if he signed a 2-plus-1 contract. George delayed that windfall by one year and at least $5 million that season.

George, however, can sign an extension with the Thunder after the second year, but it will pay less than the max if the cap jumps more than expected.

"George was searching for a middle ground between security and money maximization. Even so: This is a weird contract," writes Lowe.