Shai Gilgeous-Alexander called a 'star' by Lou Williams after Clippers trade regret

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been called a star by Lou Williams: and the six-time Sixth Man of the Year admits he now regrets pushing for the Clippers to trade the Canadian guard in 2019.

What happened?

Lou Williams, speaking in a recent interview, said he never wanted the Los Angeles Clippers to trade Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on draft night in 2019. The veteran guard, who won three straight Sixth Man awards from 2018 to 2020, now admits the move was a mistake. Shai went on to become an All-NBA player and franchise cornerstone for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Williams made the comments while reflecting on the draft-day chaos that saw Shai slip to the Thunder at No. 11. The Clippers had the rights to Shai after trading up for the pick but chose to move down: and Williams, then a Clippers executive, says he pushed for the deal that sent Shai to OKC.

Why it matters for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

The admission from Williams adds another layer to Shai’s rise from a raw 20-year-old out of Kentucky to one of the NBA’s brightest stars. By 2026, Shai has already made multiple All-NBA teams and led the Thunder deep into the playoffs. His development into a two-way force contrasts sharply with the path he nearly took as a Clipper.

Williams’ regret highlights how draft-day decisions can shape careers. Shai’s growth into a 25-point-per-game scorer and All-Star has redefined Oklahoma City’s future. The Thunder now build around him, while the Clippers missed out on a generational talent.

What comes next?

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is locked in as the Thunder’s cornerstone through at least 2029 after signing a five-year, $260 million supermax extension in 2025. Williams’ comments add fuel to the narrative that Shai’s path to stardom was nearly derailed before it began.

The Thunder are betting big on Shai to lead them back to the NBA Finals. His pairing with Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams gives OKC one of the league’s most dynamic young cores. Meanwhile, the Clippers have reshaped their roster around Kawhi Leonard and Paul George: a stark contrast to the Shai-centric future they passed on.

Lou Williams’ legacy and the trade that wasn’t

Williams, now an analyst, has built a reputation for candid takes. His admission about Shai is the latest example of how draft-day regrets can haunt executives. The 2019 trade demand that sent Shai to Oklahoma City never materialized: but Williams’ words now frame it as a missed opportunity.

For Shai, the story is about proving doubters wrong. From a mid-first pick to a top-five player, his journey underscores how draft-day decisions can echo for years. And for Thunder fans, it’s a reminder of the franchise-altering choice that landed them their star.