Paul George’s ride through the National Basketball Association has been marked with blockbuster trades. Looking back, these moves not only remade his career, but altered the course of half a dozen franchises. From his unexpected move to the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2017 to his recent acquisition by the Los Angeles Clippers, George’s impact has been profound. This article will cover the complex history of these trades, the key players involved, and permanent impact on each franchise.
On July 6, 2017, Paul George joined the Indiana Pacers to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The trade shook the entire league to its core. Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis are now on their way to Indiana in return for George. Others considered George an elite player at that time. Yet, few could have predicted the instant effect this trade would have on both teams.
Two years later, on July 6, 2019, George pulled a similar stunt, this time to the Los Angeles Clippers player and fellow superstar Kawhi Leonard — a move that would turn the Clippers into immediate championship contenders. This trade was indeed historic! In that deal the Thunder received a treasure trove of assets led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, five first-round picks and two pick swaps.
The Trade to Oklahoma City
When the Thunder traded for Paul George in 2017, they did so without surrendering any draft picks. This strategic maneuver gave them a powerful head start. The hope was to create a roster with George at the center, in addition to established stars Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony. That trio created an excitement and hope among Warriors fans that a dynasty was dawning.
Expectations did not fully materialize. George had blossomed while with the Thunder, making nine All-Star teams. Even then, the squad fell well short of their championship aspirations. In 2018, George signed an extension with the Thunder, convinced that he and Westbrook could will Oklahoma City to a higher plane. However, for all his efforts and the star-studded roster, the Thunder struggled in the playoffs.
In the wake of this trade, we watched Victor Oladipo and Domatas Sabonis blossom with the Pacers. In the aftermath, Oladipo blossomed into an All-Star and keyed a magical season for Indiana after George. Sabonis matured into a three-time All-Star and has received buzz for his play in the MVP conversations. This paradox illustrated the contrasting fortunes of individuals and organizations on both sides of the deal.
The Move to Los Angeles
George’s trade request to join the Clippers was a shock to many. His decision to join forces with Kawhi Leonard greater than anything illustrated his hunger, his urgency to win an NBA championship. This trade not only solidified the Clippers’ status as contenders but marked a new chapter in George’s career.
The deal itself was unprecedented. The Clippers borrowed a huge chunk of future capital to pay for George’s services, including five first-round picks. While it seemed odd at the time, this move established the groundwork for a new era in Los Angeles basketball. The pressure was monumental. Supporters figured George and Leonard would take the franchise to its first title.
The implications of this trade went further than the immediate clubhouse. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander truly blossomed after George left for Los Angeles, establishing himself as an up-and-coming superstar for the Thunder. His unique skill set and elite on-court performance have already earned him comparisons to the likes of Stephen Curry and Chris Paul. The trade made it possible for him to thrive, but more importantly, it positioned Oklahoma City to succeed long-term.
The Broader Impact on Franchise Strategies
The subsequent trades involving Paul George made permanent marks on how NBA franchises plan for the future. Trading away an All-Star like George shook up the Pacers’ roster dynamics and expectations significantly. That was a daring move, it put them decisively on the path toward rebuilding. Even though the season quickly turned tragic following his departure, Oladipo’s rise gave Indiana a new lease on life.
For Oklahoma City, getting George was at first a mere start on the path to constructing a championship-caliber roster. As situations changed and players departed, the writing was on the wall that this approach needed to shift. The Thunder’s genius for getting great assets back in exchange for George showed how smart they were to be ahead of the roster-carnage curve.
That’s in stark contrast to the Clippers, whose audacious move to land George showed they were ready to deal future picks for present-day glory. This move is emblematic of a recent development in NBA front offices, with teams now valuing short championship windows more than long-term sustainability.
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