The Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers are poised for an unprecedented 2025 NBA Finals matchup, shaped significantly by past trades involving Paul George. Both teams hail from smaller markets and share a playing style focused on fast pace, careful ball control avoiding turnovers, and limited reliance on three-point shots. Crucially, the rosters of these Finals contenders were built through trades that involved Paul George, whose moves between franchises had lasting impacts beyond his individual career.
Paul George’s Rise and Early Career with Indiana
Paul George, selected 10th overall in the 2010 NBA Draft from Fresno State, took time to develop during his rookie season but quickly blossomed in his second year as a starter. His breakout season came in year three when he earned NBA Most Improved Player honors and Third-Team All-NBA recognition by leading Indiana to the Eastern Conference Finals. There, the young George faced off against LeBron James’s Miami Heat, signaling his emergence as the Pacers’ franchise cornerstone.
In the following season, George elevated his game further, helping the Pacers to 56 wins and another trip to the Eastern Conference Finals, where they again fell to the Heat. His defensive excellence earned him First-Team All-Defense honors along with continued All-NBA accolades. However, a catastrophic leg injury during the 2014-15 season sidelined George for nearly the entire year, casting doubts about his future performance.
Rebound and the Changing Pacers Landscape
George made a remarkable comeback in the 2015-16 season, playing at an All-NBA level despite the Pacers’ roster unraveling as veterans like Roy Hibbert, Lance Stephenson, Danny Granger, and David West departed. After the team’s first-round playoff exit and the dismissal of coach Frank Vogel, talks about George’s future intensified, with speculation he aimed for his hometown Los Angeles Lakers.
Instead, Paul George was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder on June 30, 2017, as the franchise sought a replacement for Kevin Durant, who had departed for the Golden State Warriors. Indiana received Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis in return, setting the stage for both teams’ futures.
The Trade That Transformed Both Franchises
At first glance, the trade appeared mutually beneficial. Oladipo rapidly blossomed into an All-Star, winning Most Improved Player and earning First-Team All-Defense as he energized the Pacers. Sabonis, after a slow start in OKC, became an All-Star by his third season with Indiana, regarded as one of the league’s most promising young frontcourt players.
Meanwhile, Paul George thrived alongside Russell Westbrook, with the 2018-19 season marking the peak of his career. He averaged 29 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, led the NBA in steals, and earned spots on the First-Team All-NBA and All-Defense, finishing high in MVP and Defensive Player of the Year voting.
Thunder’s Next Move: Building a Future Through New Trades
In a blockbuster move at the end of the 2018-19 season, Oklahoma City traded Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers. In exchange, the Thunder acquired Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, and a lucrative package of unprotected first-round draft picks spanning from 2021 to 2026, including swap rights in 2025. This move initiated the Thunder’s transformation into an emerging powerhouse.
Gilgeous-Alexander, a promising young guard, developed rapidly after joining OKC. Under the mentorship of Chris Paul, he helped the Thunder win 61 percent of their games and reach a tightly contested first-round playoff series against Houston. Despite a couple of rebuilding seasons, SGA rose to stardom, becoming a regular MVP candidate and winning the award in 2024-25.
The draft picks have also paid dividends, notably the 2022 first-rounder used to select Jalen Williams, a Santa Clara wing who quickly excelled, becoming an All-Star and Third-Team All-NBA contributor with standout performances in the conference finals. This player, along with Chet Holmgren, selected at No. 2 overall, represents the new core driving the Thunder’s success.
Clippers’ Ambition and Its Limits
The Clippers acquired Paul George primarily to pair him with Kawhi Leonard, who reportedly insisted on joining only if paired with a superstar like George. Together, Leonard and George led the Clippers to their first-ever conference finals appearance, a milestone but ultimately fell short of a championship. Injuries to both stars prevented the duo from reaching their full potential, eventually leading to their split.
Pacers’ Continued Growth Through Strategic Moves
For the Pacers, the assets gained from trading Paul George evolved into new opportunities. Although Victor Oladipo’s peak was hampered by injuries, Domantas Sabonis remained a star player but faced fit issues alongside Myles Turner in the frontcourt. To address this, Indiana executed a significant trade with the Sacramento Kings in February 2022, acquiring Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield while sending Sabonis, Jeremy Lamb, and Justin Holiday to Sacramento.
Haliburton’s arrival transformed the Pacers’ style, emphasizing an up-tempo offense that relied on his exceptional ability to run the floor and distribute the ball efficiently without turnovers. This strategic shift elevated Indiana’s competitiveness and positioned them to contend in the Eastern Conference. The Pacers made one final roster upgrade by acquiring Pascal Siakam from the Toronto Raptors in early 2024, bolstering their championship aspirations.
Impact of Paul George Trades on the 2025 NBA Finals Contenders
The 2025 NBA Finals matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers showcases the long-term significance of Paul George trades in shaping both teams. Oklahoma City’s rise is tied directly to leveraging George’s departure to build around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and other emerging talents. Conversely, Indiana’s rebuilding path hinged on acquiring and developing Tyrese Haliburton, a vital piece obtained through the Domino effect of their original George trade.
This Finals pairing highlights how strategic trades involving a star player can alter the fortunes of multiple franchises over several seasons, creating new dynasties and rejuvenating team identities. The basketball world is set to witness a thrilling series born from the legacy of Paul George’s moves, marking a compelling chapter in NBA history.