Paul George to the Clippers: How One Trade Built a Dynasty in OKC and Broke LA’s Future
In the summer of 2019, the LA Clippers made a bold, win-now move: they traded for Paul George to secure a duo with Kawhi Leonard. It was flashy, aggressive, and — at the time — a move that made the Clippers instant contenders.
But now, five years later, the basketball world is looking back and realizing something shocking:
This may go down as the worst trade in NBA history.
What Did the Clippers Give Up?
To land Paul George from the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Clippers gave up a historic haul:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (now an MVP-level star)
- Danilo Gallinari
- 2022 1st (LAC) → became Jalen Williams
- 2024 1st (LAC) (unprotected)
- 2026 1st (LAC) (unprotected)
- 2021 1st (MIA) → became Tre Mann
- 2023 1st (MIA) (lottery protected)
- 2023 pick swap rights (LAC)
- 2025 pick swap rights (LAC)
The Thunder Finessed the Future
At the time, many assumed the Thunder were going into a rebuild. But what they did instead was pull off one of the greatest asset acquisitions in modern sports.
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is now the face of the Thunder, an MVP candidate, and arguably better than Paul George has ever been.
- Jalen Williams, drafted with the 2022 LAC pick, is a rising two-way star who looks like a future All-Star.
- Tre Mann and several upcoming picks still have potential to turn into more talent or trade leverage.
- Multiple unprotected picks mean the Thunder benefit if the Clippers implode — which seems more likely by the year.
This wasn’t a trade. It was a hostage exchange — and OKC walked away with a king’s ransom.
What Did the Clippers Gain?
Just one thing: Paul George.
Yes, he’s still a great player. But he hasn’t led them to a Finals. Injuries, inconsistency, and age have eroded his impact.
And the bigger picture?
- No Finals appearances.
- Kawhi Leonard has missed major playoff moments.
- George is in his 30s with an uncertain future.
- The team has no draft capital to rebuild or pivot.
- The Thunder control their picks for the next 2–3 years.
This is what happens when you go all-in… and the pot disappears.
The Final Blow: Opportunity Cost
Beyond what the Clippers lost, the worst part of this trade is what could’ve been.
If they’d kept Shai, developed talent like Jalen Williams, and used their picks wisely — they might’ve had a young core ready to contend for the next decade.
Instead, they chased a shortcut. And shortcuts, in the NBA, rarely work.
Legacy of the Trade
The Paul George trade may be remembered not just as a bad deal — but as a dynasty-defining moment for OKC and a long-term collapse for the Clippers.
The Thunder rebuilt in one night.
The Clippers mortgaged their future… and never got the title.