The Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Clippers have been intertwined for years - through trades, stars, and shifting ambitions. But as we look at where both franchises stand today, it’s clear: the Thunder are playing chess while the Clippers have been stuck playing catch-up.
Let’s start with the deal that changed everything. When OKC traded Paul George to the Clippers, it was seen as a blockbuster - one that paired George with Kawhi Leonard in Los Angeles and signaled a win-now mentality.
But what the Thunder got in return? That was the real masterstroke.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, five first-round picks, and two pick swaps. That haul wasn’t just impressive - it laid the foundation for what’s quickly becoming one of the most promising young cores in basketball.
One of those picks turned into Jalen Williams, a rising star who’s already making a major impact. And Gilgeous-Alexander?
He’s not just the face of the franchise - he’s on an MVP trajectory for the second straight season.
Meanwhile, the Clippers’ all-in gamble never quite paid off. Injuries, chemistry issues, and playoff disappointments kept the Leonard-George-Harden trio from ever reaching its ceiling.
Now, both George and Harden are gone. George was traded to the 76ers and is currently serving a suspension.
Harden was recently moved to the Cavaliers. Just like that, the Clippers’ so-called superteam era has ended - and they’re staring down the barrel of a rebuild.
Contrast that with the Thunder, who have turned smart drafting and savvy trades into a long-term blueprint for success. This isn’t new territory for Sam Presti, either.
He’s been pulling strings since 2007, back when the franchise was still the Seattle SuperSonics. His first draft class?
Kevin Durant and Jeff Green. The next two?
Russell Westbrook and James Harden. That group led OKC to the 2012 NBA Finals before age and salary cap realities forced the team to pivot.
Still, Presti never panicked. He kept building, kept planning - and when it was time to move on from Harden, then eventually Westbrook and George, he did so with a clear vision. The Thunder didn’t just trade stars; they flipped them for assets, developed talent, and stayed competitive while laying the groundwork for the next era.
That patience is paying off. Oklahoma City isn’t just good - they’re built to last. With Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge and a deep roster of young, versatile talent around him, the Thunder have every reason to believe a dynasty is within reach.
The Clippers? They’re back to the drawing board.
In the end, it’s a story of timing and trust. The Thunder trusted their process, knew when to hold and when to fold, and never lost sight of the bigger picture. So if they ever decide to part ways with another big-name player down the line, fans should remember this: Oklahoma City has a track record of turning tough decisions into long-term wins.