'What is happening': NBA in shock as LA Clippers swing massive trade
The NBA is in a state of shock after the Los Angeles Clippers signed superstar free agent Kawhi Leonard, before swinging a massive trade for Oklahoma City Thunder all-star Paul George.
The league had been waiting with bated breath on Leonard’s decision, with his choice was reportedly between the LA Lakers, a return to the Toronto Raptors, and the LA Clippers.
Free agent forward Kawhi Leonard will sign with the Los Angeles Clippers, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 6, 2019
His signing with the Clippers alone was a big enough bombshell, but what came next has left NBA fans and pundits stunned.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Leonard spent time recruiting George to join him in LA, despite George signing a four-year contract extension with the Thunder just last season.
George, who was an MVP candidate last season, will form one of the most potent tandems in the league alongside Leonard.
News of the Paul George trade dropped just minutes after Leonard’s decision was made public.
Oklahoma City is trading All-Star Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers for a record-setting collection of draft choices, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2019
Sources: Oklahoma City is getting a massive package of future picks, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Galllinari, to deliver Kawhi Leonard who he wanted to partner with: Paul George. https://t.co/4bGpMNat8K
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2019
After Leonard pushed George to find a way to get to the Clippers, Paul George approached the team and requested a trade, league sources tell ESPN. OKC was left with no choice and made the best out of a difficult situation, per sources.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2019
Rival NBA teams have been aware of the discontent of OKC's two stars: Paul George -- and Russell Westbrook, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. Leonard pushed the Clippers in recent days to deliver him a second star, and they did.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 6, 2019
The duo will form a must-watch rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers, who made big moves of their own in trading for Anthony Davis to pair with LeBron James.
George was traded to the Clippers in exchange for players Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari, as well as an almost unprecedented cache of draft picks.
The Thunder will get four unprotected first round picks, one protected first round pick, and the rights to swap two further picks.
Massive trade leaves players and fans stunned
Leonard’s decision was a big enough story in its own right.
But coupled with the Paul George trade, which almost nobody saw coming, the NBA was decisively shook.
What in the world just happened????
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) July 6, 2019
Clips defense is nasty
— Miles Bridges (@MilesBridges) July 6, 2019
This is massive. Four teams just had complete game-changers happen for them, for better or worse. In the span of two Woj tweets. My God.
— Chris Herring (@Herring_NBA) July 6, 2019
That wasn’t an earthquake it was Woj pic.twitter.com/6AdNOVMoYR
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) July 6, 2019
what is happening right now lol https://t.co/ceXd11cNSy
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) July 6, 2019
OMG
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) July 6, 2019
Gawd damn!!
— andre (@andre) July 6, 2019
The league is going to be amazing next season. I can’t even begin to wrap my mind around all the stakes.
— Paolo Uggetti (@PaoloUggetti) July 6, 2019
Not sure how OKC could have turned down the absolute array of draft assets the Clippers gave them, as well as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, for Paul George. It's more than the Pelicans got for Anthony Davis ... which lasted two-ish weeks as the biggest-ever haul for a superstar
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 6, 2019
LeBron and AD vs. PG and Kawhi?
LFG 🔥🔥🔥— Hayley Byrnes (@HayleyByrnes) July 6, 2019