Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named Finals MVP and lifted the 2025 NBA title with the Thunder after a hard-fought six-game collection in opposition to the Indiana Pacers.
Now, Shai is well known as one of many recreation’s best gamers, and his acquisition is likely one of the finest trades in latest NBA historical past. That was not the case again in 2019, when the Clippers despatched him with Danilo Gallinari and 6 draft picks for Paul George to change into instantaneous contenders after additionally signing Kawhi Leonard.
Right this moment, that is formally thought of the SGA Commerce. The one which modified the Thunder’s historical past without end.
Right here’s what social media mentioned when the deal went down:
OKC is buying and selling Paul George to the Clippers in alternate for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, 4 unprotected first-round picks, one protected first-round choose and a pair of choose swaps. (through ESPN) pic.twitter.com/4s2RR7uLTl
— NBA TV (@NBATV) July 6, 2019
“Ayo we simply bought Kawhi AND traded for PG13”
“That’s nice! What did we’ve to surrender??”
“Shai Gilgeous-Alexander!” pic.twitter.com/sxn8oNB2D7
— dolo dev (@twinsticksdev) July 6, 2019
We simply traded PG13 for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Gallinari, and a few excessive schoolers. Successfully losing Westbrook’s prime? Somebody PLEASE FIRE SAM PRESTI! We have now hit all-time low. I’m sorry Russ, I wouldn’t blame you when you needed to go away too. PG, OKC will all the time love you!! https://t.co/1AScOGcu4Z
— Sam Humphreys (@SamHumphreys34) July 6, 2019
In two years, Sam Presti and the Thunder turned Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis into Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari and 5 first-round picks.
It feels much less weird once I consider it that approach and never in any approach that features PG13
— Nick Bromberg (@NickBromberg) July 6, 2019
When the Thunder roll out a Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Deonte Burton, Darius Bazley, Patrick Patterson and Steven Adams lineup subsequent yr pic.twitter.com/je72NcYNbk
— Shai Gilgreatness-Alexander (@Jhickness9) July 6, 2019
i get why the thunder are doing this nevertheless it’s gonna be robust to kickstart their rebuild with nothing however shai gilgeous-alexander and a bunch of picks within the 20s. additionally, did the nuggets have a commerce exception? how are they making this work with out sending something again? https://t.co/TGdqzBDJvT
— Joe Wolfond (@joey_doubleyou) July 8, 2019
Clippers gave up six first spherical picks + Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for PG13 coming off shoulder surgical procedure. Gee, appears so much.
Oh wait! Paul George is the rationale why Kawhi signed with them?!? pic.twitter.com/qNVUEKlUeY
— Basking in Obscurity (@BnB_basketball) July 6, 2019
So Shai for Paul George…
And now Kawhi + Pat Beverly + Playoff P on 48 minute lockdown?
No third star for the Lakers?
Warriors destroyed?
East huge open?
Russ gonna common a quadruple double?
Already one of the best NBA season of all time?#WhereAmazingHappens pic.twitter.com/wWdB47aZuH
— Mickstape (@MickstapeShow) July 6, 2019
My favourite title is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Such a fantastically easy first title after which a final title that sounds prefer it belongs to an aristocratic English household that light into obscurity on account of questionable allegiances throughout WWII. pic.twitter.com/rsNMXzdkfW
— Gorbis (@BionicleDude17) July 10, 2019
Clippers higher win the chip they actually gave away their total future for PG13 (4 unprotected 1st rounders, 1 protected 1st rounder, 2 choose swaps and my man Shai Gilgeous-Alexander)
— Ross (@Mike_Ross24) July 6, 2019
I’ll say this. These draft picks could possibly be something. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander goes to be a STAR within the NBA. He’s so, so good, and I’m legit bummed he’s now not on the Clippers. Hope he turns into nice in OKC
— Robert Flom (@RichHomieFlom) July 6, 2019
Misplaced in all of this insanity: The Clippers are actually, actually excessive on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. They didn’t need to commerce him. OKC now has a future lead guard after the Westbrook period ends.
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) July 6, 2019
With that being mentioned I don’t love giving up Shai Gilgeous + all these picks. You gotta do what you gotta do to get Kawhi and PG13. However I feel Shai is basically younger with a excessive ceiling and can be good working the purpose on that workforce. #Clippers #KawahiWatch
— Diesel (@eatgoodsports) July 6, 2019
The clippers gave up so much for PG13. 5 first spherical (4 of them unprotected ) picks is insane and Shai Gilgeous, he’s lowkey a stud
— Beloved CLB 🇭🇹 (@d_loadinggg) July 6, 2019
I heard there was an earthquake on the west coast. I didn’t know that there was two of them. Kawhi and PG13 going to the Clippers? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander going to OKC, plus 5 First Spherical picks? Clippers mortgaged their future to win now. Shai goes to be superior.
— Deconsecrated Insanity (@carolinaayers78) July 6, 2019
Simply realized the Thunder traded Serge Ibaka on an expiring deal for what’s became Jerami Grant, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, 5 unprotected first-rounders and two choose swaps.
Probably the best transaction string ever.
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) July 6, 2019
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is SUCH a Presti participant by the way in which.
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) July 6, 2019
I count on to see loads of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (who is basically, actually good. Future all-star good) jerseys round city this yr.
— Carson Cunningham (@Carson_OKC) July 8, 2019
I do know OKC Thunder followers is likely to be disenchanted about shedding Paul George this morning, however that commerce from the Clippers might work out amazingly. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could possibly be unimaginable & I’m certain there will likely be extra strikes to come back. pic.twitter.com/leIUpzN2AZ
— Dan Kelley (@DanKelley66) July 6, 2019
