In the summer of 2019, the Los Angeles Clippers made headlines by orchestrating a blockbuster trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder, sending Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, five first-round picks, and four pick swaps to the Thunder in exchange for Paul George. This move was aligned with the Clippers’ acquisition of Kawhi Leonard in free agency, a duo expected to ignite the franchise's championship aspirations.
Fast-forward to the 2024-25 NBA season, and the Oklahoma City Thunder have emerged as a formidable force in the league, widely considered a genuine title contender. This transformation can largely be attributed to the strategic foresight of the Thunder's front office and the stellar play of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who, reflecting on the trade, stated, "I had a great year here when I was here. Their front office made a trade that they thought was best for their team. Same with the Thunder."
Gilgeous-Alexander’s development has been nothing short of remarkable. Now leading his team with an impressive stat line of 26.5 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game, the guard has established himself as one of the elite players in the league. His efforts have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by his recent appearances in the last two NBA All-Star Games and a coveted spot on the All-NBA First Team.
The Thunder have started the current season on a strong note, boasting a 6-0 record. In a recent matchup against his former team, the Clippers, Gilgeous-Alexander was pivotal, scoring 25 points and contributing to a 105-92 victory. His performance underscores how the Thunder’s investment in player development and asset management has paid off substantially.
"Then the last five years I've tried to focus on my development and the team's development. I've tried to be the best basketball player I can be for the Oklahoma City Thunder. And I'd say it worked out in my favor," Gilgeous-Alexander noted, encapsulating his journey from a promising rookie to a franchise cornerstone.
Oklahoma City's strategic moves did not stop with Gilgeous-Alexander. The team wisely utilized their acquired draft assets, such as selecting Jalen Williams with the No. 12 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Their patient and meticulously calculated approach has resulted in a roster teeming with potential and depth, a critical factor in their current status as a powerhouse in the Western Conference.
Conversely, while Leonard and George were supposed to bring championship glory to Los Angeles, the partnership did not meet the lofty expectations set upon their arrival. In a surprising twist before the 2024-25 season, Paul George transitioned to the Philadelphia 76ers, signing a lucrative four-year, $212 million contract. This shift left Clippers fans reflecting on what could have been had the duo reached their full potential together.
Meanwhile, the Thunder’s asset management continues to bear fruit. With first-round picks from the Clippers secured until 2026, Oklahoma City holds a treasure trove of future opportunities to continue enhancing their roster. The recent trade sending Tre Mann to the Charlotte Hornets for veteran Gordon Hayward exemplifies the Thunder’s adept balancing of present success and future promise, adding an experienced presence to a youthful squad.
Underpinning the Thunder's surge has been a commitment to their vision—a harmonious blend of astute drafting, careful management of assets, and a focus on player growth. Led by the exemplary Gilgeous-Alexander, a player who personifies this ethos, the Thunder are now among the league's elite, proving that patient, strategic planning can indeed translate into tangible success on the basketball court.