Paul George being in the opposite conference, helping another team, does not portray pain, but what does is the fact that the LA Clippers traded the current MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, along with so much more, just for the Fresno State product to walk without providing a return.
They would have had the opportunity to trade him if his player option was accepted, but George declined and had unlimited freedom to sign with the highest bidder. The Philadelphia 76ers had the best offer, and though they may regret it, their front office did not lose any assets via trade by landing George.
Furthermore, on the topic of trades, George has been in the portal twice in his career, once by the team he was drafted to, the Indiana Pacers, and secondly in the previously mentioned trade to his home state, California.
The Pacers actually had success with George in a conference dominated by LeBron James and the Miami Heat. Still, the end soon arrived, and he was dealt to the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2017 for Domantas Sabonis and Victor Oladipo.
Similar to Oklahoma City, the Indiana Pacers used George as a building block, which is finally paying off through their success this season. This is something the Clippers never got a chance to do.
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers found their franchise superstars by trading Paul George
In 2022, Tyrese Haliburton was moved to the Indiana Pacers in a massive six-player deal. Domantas Sabonis was going to the Sacramento Kings and other notable names like Buddy Hield were involved.
Haliburton was a top-notch floor general, which had already been on display, but he took his game to the next level once the team operated around him. However, to attain him, it took a multi-step process that ultimately had Paul George as a stepping stone for the future.
Sam Presti, the Oklahoma City Thunder's general manager, did the same, as George was bartered to the LA Clippers after back-to-back All-Star and All-NBA selections. What the Clippers did not know is that Presti was selling high on the 2019 MVP finalist and that he bridged a major gap toward a brighter future in Oklahoma City.
Moreover, Clipper Nation has heard the outcome of this trade one too many times, as the Thunder discovered a generationally talented superstar in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and picks that were used on Jalen Williams and others.
On the contrary, the Clippers did not receive any advantage for their future through George. Meanwhile, the Thunder and Pacers are currently inches away from the NBA Finals, with their franchise guards taking command.