The Oklahoma City Thunder have traded Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers in a high-profile deal finalized in early July 2019. The Clippers sent Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, four unprotected first-round draft picks, one protected first-round pick, and two pick swaps to OKC as part of the exchange. This deal marks a significant shift in roster composition for both teams, aiming to enhance the Clippers’ title chances while providing Oklahoma City with young talent and future assets.
Key players and assets exchanged in the deal
In the transaction, the Thunder acquired promising guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander along with veteran forward Danilo Gallinari, supplementing their roster with five first-round picks and two pick swaps. These draft assets are largely unprotected, which introduces potential for high-value selections as the team rebuilds. The Clippers, on the other hand, received Paul George, who comes off recent shoulder surgery but is viewed as a crucial component in pairing with Kawhi Leonard to challenge for a championship.
Reactions and perspectives from fans and analysts
The trade generated intense reactions across social media and basketball circles. Some expressed excitement over the Clippers’ acquisition of both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George as a formidable duo aiming to compete against reigning powerhouses in the NBA. Others voiced concerns about the Thunder’s direction, questioning whether exchanging George for a package centered on a young guard and draft picks risks wasting Russell Westbrook’s prime years.
We just traded PG13 for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Gallinari, and some high schoolers. Effectively wasting Westbrook’s prime? Someone PLEASE FIRE SAM PRESTI! We have hit rock bottom. I’m sorry Russ, I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to leave too. PG, OKC will always love you!! — Sam Humphreys
Several commentators highlighted the impressive haul by the Thunder over recent seasons, tracing the transformation of previous stars like Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis into younger talent and numerous draft picks.
In two years, Sam Presti and the Thunder turned Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis into Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari and five first-round picks. It feels less bizarre when I think of it that way and not in any way that includes PG13 — Nick Bromberg
Fans also noted the enormous price the Clippers paid, relinquishing multiple future first-round picks and a high-potential young player in Gilgeous-Alexander, to secure Paul George’s services despite his recent injury.
Clippers gave up six first round picks + Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for PG13 coming off shoulder surgery. Gee, seems a lot. Oh wait! Paul George is the reason why Kawhi signed with them?!? — Basking in Obscurity
Overall, reaction to the trade balanced enthusiasm about the Clippers’ new “super team” formation against concerns regarding the Thunder’s long-term rebuilding challenges.
Implications for both teams and the broader NBA landscape
The Clippers’ aggressive move to acquire Paul George alongside Kawhi Leonard significantly strengthens their championship ambitions. Together with defensive stalwarts such as Pat Beverly and Montrezl Harrell, the team aims to build a formidable defense-oriented roster that can challenge established Western Conference powers like the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Thunder, meanwhile, enter a transitional phase centering on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as their potential future lead guard. With the departure of George and the likely eventual exit of Russell Westbrook, the accumulation of draft picks offers flexibility for rebuilding or additional trades. However, doubts remain about how quickly this youth-driven strategy will yield success.
Lost in all of this madness: The Clippers are really, really high on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. They did not want to trade him. OKC now has a future lead guard after the Westbrook era ends. — Jovan Buha
The volume and quality of draft picks exchanged have drawn attention for their unprecedented scale, leading to the consensus that the Clippers have mortgaged their future to maximize their current championship window.
Clippers better win the chip they literally gave away their entire future for PG13 (4 unprotected 1st rounders, 1 protected 1st rounder, 2 pick swaps and my man Shai Gilgeous-Alexander) — Ross
Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, regarded by many as a rising star with a high ceiling, is anticipated to develop into the cornerstone player for Oklahoma City’s rebuilding efforts.
I will say this. Those draft picks could be anything. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is going to be a STAR in the NBA. He’s so, so good, and I’m legit bummed he’s no longer on the Clippers. Hope he becomes great in OKC — Robert Flom
Strategic outlook and potential future moves
The trade sets off a dynamic period for both franchises, impacting roster construction, salary cap considerations, and draft strategies. The Clippers must justify their investment in Paul George by contending seriously for an NBA title. They face the challenge of integrating Paul George and Kawhi Leonard into a cohesive unit capable of sustaining deep playoff runs.
For the Thunder, the trade signals the beginning of a full rebuild, with extensive draft capital to utilize or package in future deals. Their ability to develop Shai Gilgeous-Alexander alongside other young assets and leverage draft picks will determine their trajectory in the coming years.
I know OKC Thunder fans might be disappointed about losing Paul George this morning, but that trade from the Clippers could work out amazingly. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could be incredible & I’m sure there will be more moves to come. — Dan Kelley
Sports analysts will closely watch how this trade influences the competitive balance across the NBA, particularly in the Western Conference, where the Clippers’ transformation into title contenders challenges traditional powerhouses. How well the Thunder manage their rebuild with a youthful core and draft assets will also be a focal point for observers of league dynamics.