Shai Gilgeous-Alexander surpassed Paul George and Kawhi Leonard after Clippers trade
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 6, 2026, 10:51 PM
Last updated Sep 6, 2026

Seven years after the Los Angeles Clippers traded Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, the move’s long-term impact is clear. The Clippers intended to secure an immediate championship window, but the team failed to move past the Conference Finals. Meanwhile, Gilgeous-Alexander developed into an NBA MVP, All-Star, and champion in Oklahoma City. While his former teammates in Los Angeles struggled with recurring injuries and early postseason exits, Gilgeous-Alexander led the Thunder to an NBA title. The trade, which also included ten first-round picks sent from Los Angeles to Oklahoma City, stands as a defining moment in recent franchise history. Clippers teammates, including Lou Williams, expressed regret over the departure of the young guard at the time of the deal.
- •The Los Angeles Clippers traded Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and ten first-round picks to acquire Paul George and Kawhi Leonard.
- •Gilgeous-Alexander earned an MVP award, a Finals MVP, and an NBA championship with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
- •The Clippers reached the Conference Finals once during the tenure of George and Leonard.
- •Lou Williams and other Clippers players initially objected to the inclusion of Gilgeous-Alexander in the trade package.
- 10:51 PMYahoo Sports — Seven Years Later, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Won the Trade
"When the Los Angeles Clippers dealt a 20-year-old Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the move seemed like the ultimate push to put the Clippers in championship contention. Yes, the Clippers gave up a haul of future picks, but they formed their dream star duo of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. As much promise […] The post Seven Years Later, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Won the Trade appeared first on The Lead.
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