Clippers Sign Kawhi Leonard and Trade for Paul George in Stunning Turn of Events
By Thomas Carannante
Who saw this coming at 3 a.m. during the July 4 holiday weekend? The Los Angeles Clippers and Steve Ballmer were hard at work while the rest of America was partying.
In what's probably the most bold set of moves during NBA free agency, the Clippers reportedly made a blockbuster trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder to acquire Paul George and then went right ahead and signed Kawhi Leonard to a max contract.
Free agent forward Kawhi Leonard has informed runners-up teams of his plans: He's signing with the Clippers, league sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2019
Sorry, Lakers fans.
We always knew the Clippers were a top suitor for Kawhi, but apparently he wanted PG with him and managed to make that happen before officially making his decision.
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
The record-setting accumulation of picks is quite the haul for OKC, however, and it helps them shed even more salary in their effort to get below the luxury tax threshold.
The Clippers are sending the Thunder four unprotected first-round picks, one protected first-round pick and two pick swaps, league sources tell ESPN. Those picks go to OKC with Gallinari and SGA.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 6, 2019
The Thunder will also be getting Danilo Gallinari and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in the deal.
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
Kawhi apparently spoke to George and "pushed" him to find a way to get to the Clippers. All it took was for PG to request a trade and the Thunder made it happen. What choice did they really have?
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
Now, the Clippers leap into the NBA Finals favorites category with their roster featuring two of the biggest stars in the game today.
NBA free agency has been turned on its head and we can only expect more moves to come out of the most surprising turn of events of the offseason to date.