Paul George Trade Return Finalized After 2026 NBA Draft

Paul George's trade return is finalized after the 2026 NBA draft. The Oklahoma City Thunder used the No. 12 pick to select Michigan center Aday Mara.

The Thunder's return on the deal includes Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, Jalen Williams, Thomas Sorber, Brooks Barnhizer, and Aday Mara.

The trade was originally agreed to on July 6, 2019, with the Clippers reportedly knowing Kawhi Leonard would only sign with them if they added Paul George.

The Thunder still have a 2027 protected first-round pick from the San Antonio Spurs, which was acquired during the 2025 draft.

The Clippers made the deal to acquire Paul George, who played five years with the organization and made three All-Star appearances.

Paul George left the Clippers in the summer of 2024 to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Thunder benefited from the trade, with Danilo Gallinari playing well in the 2019-20 season, averaging 18.7 points and 5.2 rebounds in 62 games.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams were the two best players on the Thunder team that won the 2025 NBA Finals.

Gilgeous-Alexander has won back-to-back MVP awards in 2024-25 and 2025-26.

The Clippers' best season with Paul George was in 2020-21, when they reached the Western Conference Finals before losing to the Phoenix Suns in six games.

Kawhi Leonard missed the final eight games of that playoff run due to a partially torn ACL.

The Clippers went 233-157 during the five years they had Paul George on the roster.

The Thunder's return on the deal is officially settled, with all picks that changed hands in the deal now finalized.

Aday Mara was selected by the Thunder with the No. 12 pick in the 2026 NBA draft, finalizing the blockbuster trade.

The trade has had a lasting impact on both teams, with the Thunder building a strong roster and the Clippers making a deep playoff run with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard.