Paul George discusses his response to the Clippers deal

The Los Angeles Clippers' decision to trade for Paul George and pair him with Kawhi Leonard in the summer of 2019 was a significant move that generated a lot of excitement and high expectations.

Paul George in a file photo; Credit: Twitter
By Blesson Daniel | Sep 14, 2023 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

The Los Angeles Clippers’ decision to trade for Paul George and pair him with Kawhi Leonard in the summer of 2019 was a significant move that generated a lot of excitement and high expectations. However, as you mentioned, their playoff performances in the subsequent seasons did not meet those expectations, and injuries to both stars played a role in their struggles.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was part of the package sent to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the trade for Paul George, has indeed developed into a promising young talent. His impressive performances with the Thunder, including his scoring ability, have garnered attention and raised questions about whether the Clippers should have held onto him.

Read more: Joel Embiid of Philadelphia 76ers crowned NBA’s 2022-23 MVP

Hindsight is 20/20 in sports, and it’s easy to second-guess decisions made in the past. The Clippers made a bold move to acquire two All-Star players, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, believing it would give them a better chance to compete for an NBA championship. Injuries and other factors have prevented them from reaching that goal so far.

Ultimately, the success of such trades depends on multiple variables, including player performance, injuries, team chemistry, and coaching. It’s worth noting that the NBA landscape is constantly evolving, and teams often make decisions based on the information and circumstances available at the time.

While some fans and analysts may debate whether the Clippers should have kept Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reality is that player transactions in professional sports are complex, and outcomes are not always predictable. The Clippers made their move in pursuit of a championship, and the results, for better or worse, are part of the ever-unfolding narrative of the NBA.

Get the latest from Sportslumo.com by following us on InstagramTwitter, and YouTube