The math on that deal doesn’t just look bad now. It looks criminal.
Back in July 2019, the Los Angeles Clippers did the unthinkable. They offloaded Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. They also handed over five first-round picks. Two of those were pick swaps. And Danilo Gallinari. All for Paul George.
It was a massive haul for Oklahoma City.
The context matters here. This wasn’t just a random transaction. Kawhi Leonard had just signed with Los Angeles. Reports said Leonard’s deal was contingent on one thing: they had to get George. The Clippers needed a co-star. They got one. They also got a superstar who wouldn’t stay.
The Thunder Got Rich with Picks
The Thunder didn’t just get a player. They got a franchise rebuild in a box.
SGA was already a rising star. He was on a rookie contract. He was going to be huge. The picks? Those were gold. Oklahoma City used them to build depth. They used them to trade up. They used them to draft young talent.
The Clippers got a win in 2020. They made the second round. Then George left.
The Clippers Blunder
Leonard stayed. For a while. He won a championship in 2019 with Toronto. He went to LA. He won another title in 2024. But George? Gone.
The Clippers gave up future assets. They gave up a young, controllable star. They gave up flexibility.
Paul George’s impact in LA was brief. He played one season. He got injured. He left. The Clippers were left with a damaged asset and a depleted draft capital.
Oklahoma City? They’re contenders.
SGA is an MVP candidate. He’s leading the league in scoring. He’s building a legacy. The picks paid dividends. The Thunder are young. They’re fast. They’re dangerous.
The Clippers have Kawhi. Sometimes. But they have no picks. No depth. No future.
The trade is seen as a huge win for the Thunder. A major blunder for the Clippers.
History agrees.
