Seven Years Later, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Won the Trade

Seven years after the Los Angeles Clippers traded away 20-year-old Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to the Oklahoma City Thunder, it is evident that the decision was a blessing in disguise for Gilgeous-Alexander's development. The Clippers received a haul of future picks and formed a dream duo of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, hoping to quickly win a championship with the young talent.

However, Gilgeous-Alexander's time with the Clippers was limited, as he only played 73 games and averaged 10.8 points in his lone season in Los Angeles.

Gilgeous-Alexander's move to Oklahoma City proved to be transformative, as he rapidly evolved into a star player for the Thunder. With Chris Paul joining him in OKC, Gilgeous-Alexander took on the role of being the team's primary option. Despite the Clippers' best efforts, they failed to make the playoffs for three consecutive years, while the Thunder rapidly ascended to NBA champions.

Gilgeous-Alexander's success in OKC has put the Clippers' trade in a negative light, as he has now made the Western Conference Finals more times than both Kawhi Leonard and Paul George did during their time with the Clippers. Gilgeous-Alexander's on-court production and leadership have meshed seamlessly with the Thunder's chemistry, earning him the respect of his teammates.

Although the Clippers trade still stings, Gilgeous-Alexander's success validates the decision to move him, as he has become a two-time NBA MVP and Finals MVP.