Re-grading the OKC Thunder Paul George trade – one season later

One-year Anniversary re-grades:

The big question that hangs in the air is will the Clippers deem sacrificing their future as worth the price they paid. Hampered with the tag of the most unsuccessful NBA franchise in history Ballmer may feel the mortgage was worth the cost.

What could change that perspective is if the Clippers don’t win the title or even reach the finals. Heaped on top of this equation is the sheer reality that Paul George can opt-out of his contract at the end of next season (as can Kawhi Leonard).

Consider for a moment what that would mean to Ballmer’s Clippers if both Kawhi and George leave without delivering Larry O’B.

Many will state — that will never happen, but go back and re-watch how committed PG was to staying with Russ in OKC for four more years and one brief year later couldn’t wait to bail and spin copious yarns.

More from Thunderous Intentions

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• 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

Ballmer has proven he’s willing to go above and beyond defying league tampering rules to sit in arenas and recruit Leonard or giving up five draft picks, two swaps, and assets.

The one question I always return to when it comes to what the Clippers gave the Thunder is where they would be this season if they had handled the trade differently. I strongly believe the only reason Paul George’s desire to be traded wasn’t leaked was only that Leonard made that a sticking point. He detests teams that can’t keep their business in-house — something he learned in San Antonio no doubt and that the Raptors are also known for.

But — what if? What if Ballmer had found a way to leak PG wanted out of OKC? With less leverage would Presti have succumbed to not demanding Shai or Gallo’s inclusion? And, where would this Clippers squad be this season had they kept the duo to pair with the Klaw and (um) — Playoff P?

If things go south, how much will Ballmer regret mortgaging his team’s future? If last season overwhelming production was simply an outlier for George will the Clippers look back upon this as the decision that put the future of the franchise in long term jeopardy?

I’ll bring this back full circle to the reality which is the full value of the trade will not be definitively known for at least two years in LA’s case and seven in the Thunder’s case.

For that reason, even with the injuries, games missed and regression the fact remains the Clippers can argue they have two of the top five two-way talents in the NBA (when healthy). That alone warrants an “A” grade and “A+” if the duo delivers the championship. 

However, the grade will plummet to “B” if they fail to bring the hardware home in one of the next two seasons and even lower if, perish the thought – both stars bail next offseason!

Similarly, the OKC Thunder warrant a high grade even prior to the draft picks being conveyed. At worst the trade garners an “A” because Chris Paul’s effect has to be considered separately.

That said, if the Thunder gets to the second round of the playoffs in the bubble the grade gets bumped to an “A+”.

I’m inclined to already give them the A+ because those picks can be used to obtain assets or purchase their way up the draft ladder if a generational talent comes along.

Remember, there are some who state Presti could blow all the draft picks ( S.I. gave OKC a “D” for the trade? — head-scratching).  Clearly, I have more faith in the magician Presto Presti.

What we know for certain – is that we can’t predict the future.

But on this July 6th, one year after Paul George was traded to the Clippers, as I glance into my makeshift crystal ball, a vision is forming…

I see seven more anniversary celebratory July 6th revisits for the OKC Thunder. A yearly event to reflect on a time when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander first arrived with all the promise looming in front of him. Time to ponder the performance of the drafted prospects or assets added via those picks.

As for Paul George, the only vision I can summon is of him enjoying his favorite past time — fishing. Perhaps that mean’s he’s kicking back having won multiple titles or perhaps he’s moved onto another ‘favorite team’ and ‘someone he long talked about partnering with’.

I wish both parties success, I’m simply more excited about the coming seven-year stretch in OKC!