The Oklahoma City Thunder just continue to reap the benefits of the Paul George trade from six years ago. With the 15th and 24th picks in the 2025 NBA draft, the Thunder have now used two more draft picks that they ultimately acquired as a result of trading number 13.
With the 15th pick, Oklahoma City selected a big time prospect in Thomas Sorber from Georgetown University, and with the 24th pick, they took Nique Clifford from Colorado State University, who they traded to the Sacramento Kings.
These picks are a stark reminder that the Thunder just continue gaining from what was one of the all-time offseason fleeces back in July of 2019. Of course, the LA Clippers were desperate to land Kawhi Leonard in free agency, and knew they needed to secure a deal to bring in another star player to accompany him. If they didn't, Leonard was not going to go to Los Angeles.
OKC got 2 new picks that originated from the PG trade
As many fans are sure to remember, Oklahoma City got a massive haul for giving up George, who was an MVP-level player in the 2018-19 season. The Thunder got four unprotected first round picks, one protected first rounder, and two picks swaps.
It was just an unprecedented level of picks at the time, and it still is now. But what remains the most impressive part about it is how the Thunder capitalized on every single part of it. Obviously, getting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the best part of that deal. He just wrapped up the most impressive season in Thunder history, becoming the first player in 10 years to win the MVP in the regular season and in the Finals.
The way Oklahoma City was able to reach this level was by making smart picks, and making the most of the opportunities they had in front of them. So many of the Thunder's current rotation players are first rounders that they picked with extreme precision to fit around their best player.
This is what happens when you have a general manager like Sam Presti, who commits to the bit and does exactly what he says he's going to do. The Thunder have a potential dynasty on their hands, in large part because of the Paul George trade. Wednesday night's first round draft picks were just another reminder of the luxurious situation Oklahoma City finds themselves in.