I never saw this coming. I don’t think anyone else did either. Somehow, someway, the Los Angeles Clippers not only landed Kawhi Leonard, but they also swung a deal to acquire Paul George from the Thunder. You’re talking the Finals MVP joining a regular season MVP candidate, both of whom are from Southern California. Talk about a dream if you’re the Clippers.
It didn’t come without the Clips giving up a lot to get George. To be specific they sent OKC:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Danilo Gallinari
- Unprotected first round picks in 2021,2022, 2023, 2024, and 2026
- A protected first round pick in 2023
- Pick swaps in 2023 and 2025
Talk about a deal that could make Billy King blush. But, unlike that silly trade the Nets made that crippled their franchise for half a decade, the Clippers are receiving two players in their primes with plenty of time to spare. I see no reason this team shouldn’t be in contention for the next few years at least. Further, they may have finally made the Clippers a place players want to go, especially given the fact they have the richest owner in the league in Steve Ballmer, one of the best general managers in Jerry West, a future hall of fame coach in Doc Rivers, and a potential move to Inglewood, CA, which would give the Clippers an identity they don’t have sharing an arena with the Lakers.
Crazy news to start the morning!