Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gives candid reflection on Clippers trade, Intuit Dome

The LA Clippers' Saturday contest with the Oklahoma City Thunder was not simply another matchup with a top Western Conference squad, it was a homecoming of sorts. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder's leading scorer and a presumed top candidate for the MVP award this season, began his career in Los Angeles.

Clippers fans remember his rookie season with the team in 2018-19. Gilgeous-Alexander played in all 82 games for LA and finished sixth in Rookie of the Year voting, on his way to earning All-Rookie team honors as well. The Clippers would ultimately deal him to the Oklahoma City Thunder as part of the Paul George trade in the summer of 2019, following his excellent rookie year.

The thing is, the Clippers took the risk of dealing away SGA with the belief that acquiring prime PG at the peak of his powers would be well worth it. That was a gamble that ultimately did not pay off, with George now playing in Philadelphia and Gilgeous-Alexander reaching MVP-like levels in Oklahoma City.

This is obviously a depressing subject to touch on for the Clippers fanbase, and it is best to simply avoid it whenever possible. But on Saturday when the Thunder made their first ever visit to Intuit Dome, it was something that had to be re-visited. Clippers reporter for Sports Illustrated Joey Linn spoke with SGA following the Thunder's win on Saturday, and the OKC guard shared some interesting thoughts.

Gilgeous-Alexander gave an honest reflection on Clippers trade

When asked about the Intuit Dome experience, Gilgeous-Alexander spoke glowingly of the experience. "It was cool. Obviously a different feel," he said. "The stands feel a little bit more on top of the court, kind of like college." This reflects what Steve Ballmer said he was going for with the design of the Clippers' new home. A place that encourages passionate fans and makes it difficult for opposition to play.

Right after giving this answer, Shai was also asked to reflect on the trade that sent him from the Clippers to the Thunder over five years ago. "I had a great year here when I was here," said Gilgeous-Alexander. "Their front office made a trade that they thought was better for their team, so did the Thunder. And then in the last five years, I've tried to focus on my development and the team's development. I'm trying to be the best basketball player I can be for the Oklahoma City Thunder, and I'd say it worked out in my favor."

All Clippers fans can do upon hearing this is to simply take a deep breath and sigh in agreement. There is no part of what Shai said that is false. Both the Clippers and the Thunder felt that move was best for them in 2019, and it just so happened to not age nearly as well for the Clippers.

LA is still stuck figuring out how to put a consistent winning product on the floor while waiting for Kawhi Leonard to return to injury. Obviously if they knew back then what they know now, the Clippers would have kept SGA, and would likely be right at the top of the West standings where the Thunder are.