Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is experiencing a career-defining season that has positioned him among the NBA’s elite superstars.
The newly crowned Most Valuable Player has led the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Western Conference Finals, where they currently hold a commanding 2-0 lead over the Minnesota Timberwolves.
His remarkable campaign presents historic opportunities that haven’t been achieved in nearly a decade. Gilgeous-Alexander could become the first player since LeBron James in 2013 to capture both regular season MVP and Finals MVP awards in the same year.
Additionally, he has the chance to join Stephen Curry as the only player since 2015 to win MVP and a championship in the same season while potentially delivering Oklahoma City’s first title in franchise history.
The foundation for this success traces back to the 2019 trade that brought Gilgeous-Alexander to Oklahoma City, a deal that’s now considered one of the most lopsided in NBA history.
The Thunder received Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, five first-round draft picks, and two additional pick swaps in exchange for Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers.
Former Clippers coach Doc Rivers revealed fascinating details about the trade during a 2023 interview with Bill Simmons, explaining how Kawhi Leonard’s championship demands influenced the decision.
“My reaction was we’re getting Kawhi and Paul George. I was happy. Having said that, I did bring it up. I did say, ‘Man, can we give them somebody else? Like, we cannot give up Shai,’” Rivers recalled.
Rivers attempted to convince Kawhi Leonard about Gilgeous-Alexander’s potential, but the newly acquired superstar prioritized immediate championship contention over long-term development.
“I kept saying, ‘You know, Kawhi, Shai is going to be a star,’” Rivers explained. “And (Leonard asked), ‘Well, how long?’ I said, ‘I don’t know how long, but he’s going to be one.’”
Leonard ultimately insisted on the trade, believing the combination of himself and George would deliver immediate championship success to Los Angeles.
However, that championship never materialized, with the Clippers’ deepest playoff run reaching only the 2021 Western Conference Finals.
Meanwhile, Gilgeous-Alexander has blossomed into exactly what Rivers predicted and more. At just 26 years old, he has developed into one of the league’s most complete guards, averaging over 30 points per game while maintaining elite defensive standards.
The Thunder’s patience with their young star has created a championship foundation that the Clippers’ win-now approach failed to achieve.
And now with Gilgeous-Alexander leading Oklahoma City toward their first title, the 2019 trade stands as a masterclass in recognizing and developing generational talent.
