The Oklahoma City Thunder just got the 12th pick from the LA Clippers after the draft lottery as part of the Paul George trade. OKC has another lottery pick after already receiving Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and more in the deal, but they did not move up in Sunday's lottery. This was arguably the best trade in NBA history and is on the way to creating a dynasty in Oklahoma City.
This home run trade just keeps improving. The Thunder have already netted six picks from this blockbuster. Many of which were used in other deals as Sam Presti built an incredible roster. The defending champs are on their way to a repeat, and this trade created the backbone of their current team.
Oklahoma City clearly fleeced the Clippers by taking advantage of their position. LA knew they had to trade for George to land Kawhi Leonard in free agency. Presti had all the leverage, and he used it.
Clippers gift Thunder another lottery pick from the Paul George trade
Nobody expected SGA to become the MVP, but he was clearly talented. The rookie raised his game in the playoffs for the Clippers. Presti wasn’t missing his chance to snag the 20-year-old in this trade. The Thunder also got the lottery pick that turned into Jalen Williams from this package.
Now, they have the 12th overall pick in 2026 after the Clippers missed the playoffs. George hasn’t played for LA since 2024, and the franchise won just three playoff series during the Kawhi and PG era. Everyone thought it was the Clippers building a juggernaut, but the trade let OKC become the team to beat. Fans can see the full details of this blockbuster below.
Thunder received: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Danilo Gallinari, Tre Mann, Jamie Jaquez Jr., Dillon Jones, Nique Clifford, and 12th pick in 2026
Clippers received: Paul George, Yanic Konan Niederhauser
This is the last pick. The package will finally be complete when OKC makes this selection on June 23. Getting two superstars and a mountain of draft capital was better than anyone could have expected. Credit to the Thunder for developing the talent and making this trade so much better.
OKC is still loaded with draft capital. They have the 17th overall pick to pair with this lottery selection. Presti keeps the cupboard full to allow the Thunder to trim payroll and upgrade their roster, however necessary. He traded for Jared McCain at the deadline and will be opportunistic in this draft. If Presti believes in a player, he will try to get him. Fans know that.
The LA Clippers made one of the worst trades of all time and are entering a crossroads. They missed the playoffs and are in desperate need of a retool. The Thunder deserve plenty of blame for that, but that is the price of acquiring a superstar.
The Oklahoma City Thunder officially have the 12th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft thanks to LA. It is the final piece of the Paul George trade that has already given OKC so much. They wouldn’t have SGA or J-Dub without this deal. To get another lottery pick seems unfair, but Thunder fans certainly aren’t complaining. Expect Presti to nail the choice and add another high-impact talent to the roster. That is what he does.
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