The Clippers’ defeat serves as another illustration of why Presti is considered the most adept negotiator in the NBA.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are experiencing an unprecedented period of success. After establishing themselves as prominent contenders in the Western Conference throughout the 2010s, the franchise took a dramatic turn in 2019 by trading away Russell Westbrook and Paul George, signaling a shift towards rebuilding.
Although this rebuilding process was initially delayed when Chris Paul joined the team for a season, providing leadership and securing one final playoff appearance, it became evident that Oklahoma City was undergoing a transitional phase. The timeline for the Thunder’s collection of draft picks to translate into on-court success remained uncertain.
Surprisingly, the rebuilding process was much shorter than anticipated. Despite finishing at the bottom of the conference in the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons, by 2022-23, they narrowly missed the playoffs, losing their second Play-In game to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Observers began to recognize the potential of the Thunder’s roster.
In the current season, Oklahoma City emerged as one of the top teams in the league, clinching the top seed in a highly competitive Western Conference. Led by stars like Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was also a finalist for the MVP award, the Thunder are once again contenders for an NBA championship.
Given Gilgeous-Alexander’s pivotal role in the Thunder’s championship aspirations, it’s fitting to revisit the trade that brought him to Oklahoma City in 2019. With the recent struggles of the LA Clippers, who are on the brink of playoff elimination, it’s timely to reflect on the trade that marked the beginning of this transformative era.
Tonight marks the four-year anniversary of one of the most one-sided trades in sports history, with the Thunder acquiring Gilgeous-Alexander as part of the deal:
[Link to tweet]
The trade involving Paul George was particularly notable as a significant win for the Thunder. When the Clippers secured Kawhi Leonard in 2019, they appeared to have made a monumental acquisition. However, it was reported that Leonard insisted on also acquiring his teammate Paul George, significantly strengthening the Clippers’ roster.
