Shai Gilgeous-Alexander delivered a performance for the ages on Sunday night. Shai guided the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first NBA championship with a Game 7 win over the Indiana Pacers. Throughout the finals series, Shai’s leadership and scoring were unmatched. It ultimately earned him the NBA Finals MVP trophy to cap off a sensational playoff run.
The victory not only brought joy to Thunder fans but also reignited discussion around one of the most significant trades in recent NBA history. In July 2019, the Los Angeles Clippers traded Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to the Thunder in exchange for Paul George. The blockbuster deal also included five first-round picks, two first-round pick swaps, and forward Danilo Gallinari.
Now that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has led the OKC Thunder to a championship. I think we can officially say this is THE WORST trade of ALL TIME. pic.twitter.com/8d94Z8316Y
— Hater Report (@HaterReport_) June 23, 2025
Since then, the Thunder have thrived, culminating in this historic championship. On the flip side, the Clippers’ experiment with Paul George yielded disappointing results. Over five seasons, the team failed to reach the NBA Finals and ultimately traded George to the Philadelphia 76ers last offseason.
NBA Fans Convinced Clippers Made A Historic Mistake By Trading Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
As the Thunder celebrated their championship and Shai held his MVP trophy high, NBA fans took to social media to voice their thoughts on the now-infamous trade.
“Well worse trade of all time for the Los Angeles Clippers,” one fan wrote bluntly.
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Well worse trade of all time for the los Angeles clippers
— Chris Tonn Jr. ⚡⛈️🏀 (@chris_tonnjr22) June 23, 2025
Another fan broke it down even further, commenting, “Less the picks and Gallinari and Shai—just receiving Paul George for free is still a disadvantage for the Clippers. This trade is worst of the worst.”
less the picks and gallinari and shai.
— Ry.Ronen (@holmes_rye) June 23, 2025
just receiving paul george for free is still a disadavantage for the clippers.
this trade is worst of the worst
“Such a 🤡🤡🤡 trade. Wonder where the GM of Clippers now that time of trade,” read one comment.
Such a 🤡🤡🤡 trade. Wonder where the GM of clippers now that time of trade
— 𐤊 neo79 (@ferdz98) June 23, 2025
One fan applauded OKC’s long-term strategy, writing, “I agree 100%. OKC STILL feasting from this trade.”
I agree 100%
— Venenosin 🇧🇷🇺🇸 (@O_Venenosin) June 23, 2025
OKC STILL feasting from this trade
Another pointed out George’s underwhelming legacy, “PG hasn’t done anything notable, other than by leaving teams they get better.”
PG hasn't done anything notable, other than by leaving teams they get better
— Brian (@localNERDlbk) June 23, 2025
With the championship win, Gilgeous-Alexander capped off one of the best individual seasons in NBA history. His accolades from the 2024–25 season included NBA Most Valuable Player, NBA Finals MVP, WCF MVP, NBA All-Star, All-NBA First Team, and NBA Scoring Champion.
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