Revisiting OKC Thunder franchise altering blockbuster Paul George trade

Closing:

This OKC Thunder has made believers out of many continually growing and improving with a strong record on the road (17-11). They are a top 10 ranked defense, flirt with being a top 10 ranked defense and are the very best clutch time team in the association.

Entering game 61 the seeding is still up in the air. Although the Thunder sits sixth they are one game back of fifth (Jazz), two of fourth (Rockets) and four of those third and second seeds the Clippers and Nuggets occupy.

Undoubtedly, the stretch run will determine the final resting spots but again the Thunder controls their own destiny.

• Versus the Jazz, the teams have each won a game with two games to play in OKC
• Are even with Nuggets 1-1 on the season with one game on each court remaining
• Won the season series versus the Rockets 2-1
• Tonight’s match will give the winner a 2-1 edge with one game remaining on April 4th in LA.

And, all this without even touching on the five draft picks and two swaps as well as the haul picked up in the Westbrook and Jerami Grant trades.

More from Thunderous Intentions

• Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
• Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

Facing the Clippers in the first round wouldn’t be an ideal scenario. Then again, aside from getting to play the eighth seed  – what seed in the West won’t have its own set of matchup problems?

Yet to be determined is who will hoist the Larry O’B this coming June or what Kawhi Leonard and Paul George will do in July of 2021. Similarly, the future of the OKC Thunder won’t fully be known until those draft picks are used for draft prospects or existing players via trades.

This season has already produced more joy and excitement for Thunder Nation than anyone dreamed of. Everything from here on is gravy.

And moving forward the franchises’ future is bright with Gilgeous-Alexander still years away from his prime and Sam Presti at the helm.

Who won the trade? Even if the Clippers win the title this season or next it’s hard not to side with the OKC Thunder who aren’t just overachieving now — but have arguably the brightest future of all NBA squads.

Enjoy the game.