The Rise and Fall of the Clippers’ Gamble: How 2019’s Blockbuster Trade Shaped the Franchise’s Future

In 2019, the LA Clippers made waves in the NBA by orchestrating one of the boldest moves in recent memory. Star forward Paul George requested a trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder to the Clippers, as he sought to team up with reigning NBA champion Kawhi Leonard. To make this happen, the Clippers gave up a haul that included four unprotected first-round picks, a protected first-round pick, two pick swaps, promising rookie point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and veteran scorer Danilo Gallinari. By securing George, they effectively signed Leonard too, forming a superstar tandem that promised a realistic shot at an NBA championship.

This trade was seen as a defining moment for the Clippers, a franchise long overshadowed by the Lakers and plagued by years of disappointment. From Lob City highs to retooling seasons, they had yet to become a consistent contender. But with Leonard and George, the Clippers had assembled a pair of elite wings that transformed them into instant title contenders. At the time, it seemed worth the immense price they paid. However, the subsequent years have been tumultuous, marred by injuries, playoff disappointments, and unfulfilled potential. Now, as the Clippers find themselves in one of the worst positions in the league, it’s clear that this bold gamble has cost them dearly.

The Allure of 2019: Leonard and George Join Forces

The anticipation surrounding the Clippers’ moves in 2019 was electric. The duo of Leonard, fresh off leading the Toronto Raptors to their first NBA championship, and George, coming off an MVP-caliber season where he finished third in voting, brought unprecedented excitement to the franchise. The Clippers gave up significant future assets, but the prospect of a legitimate shot at a title seemed worth the risk. In an NBA landscape defined by superstar pairings, Leonard and George were envisioned as a defensive nightmare and a dynamic offensive force capable of leading the Clippers to glory.

At the time, few questioned the trade. Leonard, after all, had proven himself as one of the league’s best players, and George had just delivered the best season of his career. Critics pointed out potential injury risks, as both players had battled significant health issues. Leonard had missed most of the 2017-2018 season with the Spurs due to a quadriceps injury, and George had only recently recovered from reconstructive shoulder surgeries. Still, the Clippers’ front office believed the risk was justified for a team that, prior to the trade, had never truly competed for a title.

The Clippers’ Struggles Begin: Injuries and Disappointment

Despite the hype, Leonard and George’s tenure with the Clippers has been marked by inconsistency. While they showed flashes of brilliance, injuries have limited their effectiveness and availability. Leonard’s workload has been carefully managed through load management, yet he has continued to miss extended stretches due to lingering issues. George, too, has dealt with his share of injuries, which have affected his ability to perform at his peak. These health concerns proved detrimental, particularly in the high-stakes playoff environment.

The Clippers’ 2020 postseason ended in disappointment when they blew a 3-1 lead to the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Semifinals. The loss was emblematic of their struggles, as both Leonard and George failed to deliver in crucial moments. In the following season, Leonard suffered a knee injury during the playoffs that sidelined him for the remainder of the Clippers’ 2021 campaign, effectively ending their championship hopes.

In the 2021-2022 season, Leonard missed the entire year due to an ACL injury. George carried the team into the play-in tournament, but without his co-star, the Clippers fell short once again. The subsequent seasons have been a carousel of roster changes, including the addition of players like James Harden, in attempts to find a supporting cast capable of elevating the team. Unfortunately, injuries and chemistry issues have continued to plague them.

Paul George Departs: The End of an Era

The Clippers’ decision not to extend George’s contract this offseason marked a turning point. After paying a steep price to bring him in, they let him walk in free agency, refusing to commit to a long-term max deal due to his age and injury history. His departure left the Clippers in a precarious position, with Leonard still dealing with knee issues and the team short on future assets.

This offseason, Leonard underwent yet another knee procedure, casting doubt on his availability for the start of the 2023-2024 season. With the Clippers’ future first-round picks tied up in swaps and owed to the Thunder, their ability to rebuild through the draft is severely limited. They now face the prospect of competing in a loaded Western Conference with a roster reliant on aging, injury-prone stars and little room for flexibility.

Looking Back: Was the Gamble Worth It?

Hindsight offers a harsh lens on the Clippers’ 2019 gamble. The Thunder, who traded away George, have since built a promising young core, headlined by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has developed into an MVP-caliber player. Meanwhile, the Clippers, who mortgaged their future for a championship window, find themselves without a title and facing an uncertain future.

Despite the outcome, the decision to acquire Leonard and George was defensible at the time. The Clippers were betting on immediate contention, which is the ultimate goal of any NBA team. By 2019 standards, their moves gave them a three-to-five-year window of genuine championship potential, which is all any franchise can realistically hope for when assembling a superteam. Yet, the cost has been steep, as they now lack the assets to pivot or rebuild. In an alternate reality, perhaps Leonard and George would have stayed healthy, leading the Clippers to a title and validating the decision. But in the unforgiving world of professional sports, there are no guarantees.

The Legacy of the Clippers’ Gamble

As the Clippers face a future where they are bound by the constraints of past decisions, they serve as a cautionary tale. Superstars can bring immense success, but injuries and bad luck can turn even the most promising ventures into prolonged struggles. The gamble for Leonard and George in 2019 was a statement of ambition, a declaration that the Clippers were no longer satisfied with being second fiddle in Los Angeles.

Ultimately, the Clippers’ moves in 2019 underscore the fleeting nature of success in the NBA. Even with the best-laid plans, the path to a championship is fraught with risks, and the reality is that injuries can derail even the most talented rosters. As the Clippers look toward the uncertain years ahead, their story stands as a reminder that while big moves can bring excitement and hope, they can also lead to heartbreak and regret.

In 2019, the Clippers swung for the fences. The trade brought them tantalizingly close to their first championship, but in the end, the gamble didn’t pay off. They are left with the consequences, and their future now hangs in the balance as they try to navigate the fallout from a decision that once promised greatness but delivered frustration and disappointment instead.