Paul George trade sparks Clippers’ dynasty run with Kawhi Leonard

Paul George’s blockbuster trade to the Los Angeles Clippers on July 6, 2019, quietly launched a championship dynasty that peaked when the team reached the 2025 NBA Finals.

What happened in the trade?

On July 6, 2019, the Oklahoma City Thunder sent Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers in a blockbuster deal that sent Danilo Gallinari, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and multiple first-round picks to OKC. The trade reunited George with Kawhi Leonard, who had joined the Clippers the previous month. At the time, George was coming off a career-high 30.7 points per game in Oklahoma City and signed to a four-year, $198 million contract extension with the Thunder just days before the deal.

Why it matters for Paul George

The trade gave George a clear path to contend for titles without the pressure of being the sole superstar. He averaged 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in his first season with the Clippers, helping the team finish 49-23. Though injuries derailed their 2020 playoff run, the duo’s chemistry set the foundation for future success. By 2024, George was a key piece of a 54-win team that pushed the eventual champion Boston Celtics to six games in the Western Conference Finals.

How the Clippers’ dynasty took shape

The Clippers’ front office built around George and Leonard with smart moves like signing Eric Gordon and Marcus Morris Sr. in free agency. George’s two-way impact-elite defense and clutch shooting-made him the perfect complement to Leonard’s isolation scoring. Their partnership peaked in the 2025 season, when George posted 22.6 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.1 assists while anchoring the league’s third-ranked defense. The Clippers finished 57-25, the best record in the NBA, before falling to the Dallas Mavericks in the Finals.

What comes next for Paul George

At 35 in 2026, George remains a cornerstone for the Clippers, though the window to add another title is narrowing. His expiring contract looms as a major storyline, with trade rumors swirling around him ahead of the 2026 free-agency period. If the Clippers fall short again, questions will mount about whether George can secure a ring before his career winds down. For now, he’s still the heartbeat of a franchise that owes its rise to the trade that changed everything.