Paul George, reflecting on his trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2019, emphasized that the deal benefited both sides. Following the Clippers’ victory against the Thunder on Tuesday, George acknowledged the significance of the trade, stating, “Both sides won.”
“Both sides won. I did think it was quite a lot that the Clippers were willing to give up. Their commitment to me is my commitment to them. Just appreciative that they went out and grabbed me and bought me over here.”
“Very appreciative of Steve but both sides won… We knew Shai was gonna be really, really good, but he’s special. In a way, Oklahoma won that trade with picks and a future MVP. Again, great trade for both sides.”
Paul George on the trade:
“Both sides won. I did think it was quite a lot that the Clippers were willing to give up. Their commitment to me is my commitment to them… But both sides won… We knew Shai was gonna be really, really good, but he’s special. In a way, Oklahoma won… pic.twitter.com/ehyYudv8kY
— Joey Linn (@joeylinn_) January 17, 2024
George expressed appreciation for the Clippers’ commitment to him, reciprocating his dedication to the team. Despite acknowledging the considerable assets given up by the Clippers, George believes the trade was a success for both franchises.
He specifically noted the potential greatness of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, emphasizing that the Thunder, in a way, won the trade with the acquisition of picks and a player with future MVP potential.
In 2019, the Clippers traded for Paul George, sending a package to the Thunder that included promising guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, and multiple draft picks (4 unprotected first-round picks, 2 protected first-round picks, and 2 pick swaps). While the Clippers were eager to secure George alongside Kawhi Leonard, the Thunder received a considerable haul, including future MVP potential in Gilgeous-Alexander.
In tonight’s game against the Thunder, George played a pivotal role, scoring 38 points, and leading the Clippers to a victory. His performance underscored his continued impact and value to the Clippers, reinforcing the notion that both teams have found success following the 2019 trade.
As the Clippers stand at 26-14 with George contributing significantly, the trade’s long-term implications continue to unfold. The acknowledgment from Paul George highlights the mutual benefits derived by both the Clippers and the Thunder from a trade that reshaped the fortunes of both franchises.
Oklahoma City Thunder Won That Trade By A Massive Margin
The Oklahoma City Thunder orchestrated one of the most remarkable trades in recent NBA history when they acquired Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, and a treasure trove of draft picks from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Paul George. As the seasons unfolded, it became increasingly evident that the Thunder emerged as the clear winners in this blockbuster deal.
The list of acquisitions from the trade is impressive. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a rising star in the league, has become the cornerstone of the Thunder’s franchise. His exceptional performance on the court, averaging 31.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists, showcases his transformation into an MVP candidate. In just four years with the Thunder, Shai has not only exceeded expectations but has solidified his status as one of the premier talents in the NBA.
The draft picks acquired in the trade have proven to be valuable assets as well. Tre Mann, selected with the 2021 first-round pick (18th overall), has showcased his potential, contributing to the Thunder’s success.
The 2022 first-round pick, which became Jalen Williams at No. 12, has been a gold mine for the Thunder. Williams, a standout rookie, finished second in the Rookie of the Year race, demonstrating the Thunder’s ability to find talent through the draft. He has emerged as one of the stars at OKC in his second year, averaging 18.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists while shooting 55.0% from the field and 45.0% from 3-point range.
In contrast, the Clippers, despite acquiring Paul George to pair with Kawhi Leonard, have faced numerous postseason setbacks. The first season (2019-20) held immense promise as the Clippers finished with a 49-23 record but faltered in the Western Conference Semifinals, surrendering a 3-1 lead to the Denver Nuggets.
The following season (2020-21) brought playoff success, with victories over the Dallas Mavericks and Utah Jazz, but the Clippers fell short in the Western Conference Finals due to Kawhi Leonard’s absence. The subsequent years were marred by injuries, with Kawhi missing significant time in the 2021-22 season. The Clippers finished 9th in the regular season and were eliminated from the play-in tournament.
Despite a resurgence in the 2022-23 season, securing a 5th seed with a 44-38 record, the Clippers bowed out in the first round against the Phoenix Suns. This season, they find themselves in a strong position with a 26-14 record, but the ultimate goal of capturing an elusive NBA title remains unfulfilled.
The trade imbalance is stark. The Thunder not only secured valuable assets and promising young players but orchestrated a rebuild that has propelled them to an unexpected 27-13 record, currently ranking 2nd in the Western Conference.
Looking ahead, the Thunder still have an array of future draft picks from the Clippers, including an unprotected first-round pick in 2024, the right to swap picks in 2025, an unprotected first-round pick in 2026, and more. The Clippers’ future first-round picks are valuable commodities that could continue to shape the Thunder’s roster or be used as trade assets to further strengthen the team.
As the Thunder continue to thrive with a bright future ahead, the trade stands as a testament to the value of patience, strategic planning, and the ability to capitalize on draft assets. The Thunder not only won with the picks and assets but also cultivated a potential MVP in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, making the Paul George trade one of the most lopsided in recent NBA history.
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