The Los Angeles Clippers’ blockbuster trade in 2019, sending Paul George and multiple first-round picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Kawhi Leonard, once hailed as a bold move to chase NBA glory, has come under intense scrutiny. With the ongoing Kawhi Leonard scandal surrounding contract irregularities and persistent injury issues, the trade’s legacy is more controversial than ever. As the Clippers navigate this tumultuous chapter, many NBA fans and analysts are calling this trade one of the worst in recent history. 

The 2019 Clippers Trade: High Risk, High Reward?

In 2019, the Los Angeles Clippers found themselves at a crossroads. To convince Kawhi Leonard, a two-time NBA Finals MVP and one of the league’s premier two-way players, to sign with the team, they needed to assemble a superstar supporting cast. That superstar was Paul George. To make the deal happen, the Clippers traded away a massive haul to the Oklahoma City Thunder, including Paul George, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and several valuable first-round draft picks.

The trade was intended to fast-track the Clippers into championship contention, creating a “super team” that could challenge the dominance of the Golden State Warriors and other Western Conference powerhouses. Initially, the move generated excitement and hope in Los Angeles. However, as the years have passed, the reality has fallen far short of expectations.

The Collapse of the Kawhi Leonard Era in Los Angeles

The Clippers built their entire roster around Kawhi Leonard, believing his two-way prowess and leadership would deliver the franchise’s first NBA championship. Unfortunately, Leonard’s time with the Clippers has been plagued by persistent injuries, limiting his availability during key moments. His style of cautious play to protect his health further frustrated fans and analysts alike.

The situation worsened with the recent emergence of the Aspiration scandal, an ongoing investigation into whether Leonard’s contract violated NBA salary cap rules. Leaked documents suggest that Leonard was paid for a “no-show” role at a company called Aspiration, leading the league to open a formal inquiry. The possibility that the NBA could void Leonard’s contract looms large, which would not only end his time with the Clippers prematurely but could also effectively end his playing career.

Amid these scandals and injuries, reports suggest that the Clippers have effectively given up on building around Leonard. The team is expected to honor his contract through 2027 but does not appear to view him as the cornerstone for future success. This abrupt shift leaves the franchise in a difficult position.

The Clippers’ Lost Opportunity: No Championships, No Finals Appearances

The intended payoff for the trade was simple: NBA championships and Finals appearances. Instead, the Clippers have delivered neither. This failure is more glaring because of the assets the team gave up in the trade.

Unlike many rebuilding teams, the Clippers do not control their own first-round picks until 2030 due to the large package surrendered in the trade. This has effectively shut down their ability to rebuild through the draft, leaving the team with a narrow window that has now closed without success.

The franchise is now burdened with a new arena, an uncertain roster, and a fanbase frustrated by dashed hopes. Without the ability to leverage future draft picks, the Clippers must look elsewhere for a new direction.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: The Superstar the Clippers Let Slip Away

While the Clippers struggle, the Oklahoma City Thunder have thrived, largely thanks to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, one of the key assets sent to Oklahoma City in the trade. At only 27 years old, Shai has emerged as one of the NBA’s brightest stars.

Heading into the 2025-26 season as the reigning NBA MVP, NBA champion, and NBA Finals MVP, Gilgeous-Alexander is now the face of a Thunder team built to compete for years to come. His development into an elite scorer and playmaker starkly contrasts with the Clippers’ faltering trajectory.

Every step of Shai’s rise amplifies the Clippers’ trade failure. The player they gave up to secure Paul George and chase Kawhi Leonard has become one of the league’s best players.

Paul George’s Exit and the Clippers’ Current State

Adding to the Clippers’ woes, Paul George departed the team in 2024, signing with the Philadelphia 76ers. George, who was once seen as a vital piece alongside Leonard, never reached his full potential in Los Angeles, hampered by injuries and inconsistent play.

With George gone and Leonard’s future uncertain, the Clippers find themselves without the star power they invested so heavily to acquire. The team’s roster remains a work in progress under new coaching staff, and there is growing pressure to rethink the franchise’s direction.

The Trade’s Place Among the Worst in NBA History

The Clippers’ trade has sparked debate about its place in NBA history. For years, the worst trade crown was often reserved for deals like the Brooklyn Nets surrendering assets for aging stars Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce. But the Clippers’ 2019 trade threatens to overshadow even those infamous moves.

The trade yielded just a handful of memorable playoff moments and a crushing collapse during the NBA bubble, but ultimately no lasting success. With Kawhi Leonard’s contract potentially ending early, the trade’s legacy may be sealed as a cautionary tale about chasing short-term glory at too high a cost.

What the Future Holds for the Clippers

The Clippers must now confront a reality where their former stars are gone or unavailable, and their pipeline of future talent is limited. Rebuilding will be challenging without draft assets, and the front office will need to seek creative ways to retool the roster.

Meanwhile, the Oklahoma City Thunder enjoy a brighter outlook, with a franchise player in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a wealth of draft capital to build around. The contrast between the two teams’ fortunes is stark and serves as a reminder of the risks inherent in blockbuster trades.

Conclusion: The Clippers’ Costly Gamble and What It Means for NBA Teams

The Los Angeles Clippers’ trade to acquire Kawhi Leonard by sending away Paul George, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and multiple first-round picks represents a high-stakes gamble that has not paid off. Plagued by injuries, a scandal involving Leonard’s contract, and an inability to rebuild, the franchise finds itself at a crossroads.

This trade stands as a cautionary tale for NBA front offices, demonstrating the dangers of mortgaging a franchise’s future for short-term gains. With Leonard’s future uncertain and Gilgeous-Alexander thriving elsewhere, the Clippers must now plan carefully to avoid more years of disappointment.