Paul George becomes a Clipper – July 10, 2019
Kawhi Leonard was the prize free agent of the 2019 NBA offseason. Rumors swirled about where he may end up, how he might end up there, and if he would be bringing any other NBA stars with him. Rumors were put to bed on July 6 when it was reported that Leonard would be signing in Los Angeles with the Clippers, and that Paul George would be joining him.
A few days later it became official as George was traded from Oklahoma City in exchange for (take a deep breath) guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, forward Danilo Gallinari and the Clippers’ first round draft picks in 2022, 2024 and 2026, along with two first-round choices via Miami (2021 and 2023), and OKC obtained the right to swap first-round picks in 2023 and 2025.
A high price to pay, for sure, but certainly worth it when the move is essentially a trade for both George and Leonard.
“Paul George is one of the greatest two-way players in our game,” said Lawrence Frank, President of Basketball Operations for the Clippers. “He is both an elite scorer and a relentless defender whose versatility elevates any team. When you have the opportunity to acquire a contributor of his caliber, you do what it takes to bring him home.”
Frank when on to elaborate about George’s fit with the Clippers, not only on the basketball court, but for the direction the franchise wanted to take going forward, saying “Paul is a native of the Los Angeles area and an ideal fit for the Clippers, thanks to his selflessness and drive. Following the lead of Steve Ballmer, we have plotted an aggressive course to build a championship contender, and acquiring Paul is a critical step.”
The step has paid off so far, as the Clippers are among the class of the NBA this season and will be one of the favorites to win the title once games resume (knock on wood.)