Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was named Finals MVP and lifted the 2025 NBA title with the Thunder after a hard-fought six-game series against the Indiana Pacers.
Now, Shai is widely recognized as one of the game’s finest players, and his acquisition is one of the best trades in recent NBA history. That was not the case back in 2019, when the Clippers sent him with Danilo Gallinari and six draft picks for Paul George to become instant contenders after also signing Kawhi Leonard.
Today, this is officially considered the SGA Trade. The one that changed the Thunder’s history forever.
Here’s what social media said when the deal went down:
OKC is trading Paul George to the Clippers in exchange for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, 4 unprotected first-round picks, one protected first-round pick and 2 pick swaps. (via ESPN) pic.twitter.com/4s2RR7uLTl
— NBA TV (@NBATV) July 6, 2019
“Ayo we just got Kawhi AND traded for PG13”
“That’s great! What did we have to give up??”
“Shai Gilgeous-Alexander!” pic.twitter.com/sxn8oNB2D7
— dolo dev (@twinsticksdev) July 6, 2019
We just traded PG13 for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Gallinari, and some high schoolers. Effectively wasting Westbrook’s prime? Someone PLEASE FIRE SAM PRESTI! We have hit rock bottom. I’m sorry Russ, I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to leave too. PG, OKC will always love you!! https://t.co/1AScOGcu4Z
— Sam Humphreys (@SamHumphreys34) July 6, 2019
In two years, Sam Presti and the Thunder turned Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis into Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari and five first-round picks.
It feels less bizarre when I think of it that way and not in any way that includes PG13
— Nick Bromberg (@NickBromberg) July 6, 2019
When the Thunder roll out a Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Deonte Burton, Darius Bazley, Patrick Patterson and Steven Adams lineup next year pic.twitter.com/je72NcYNbk
— Shai Gilgreatness-Alexander (@Jhickness9) July 6, 2019
i get why the thunder are doing this but it’s gonna be tough to kickstart their rebuild with nothing but shai gilgeous-alexander and a bunch of picks in the 20s. also, did the nuggets have a trade exception? how are they making this work without sending anything back? https://t.co/TGdqzBDJvT
— Joe Wolfond (@joey_doubleyou) July 8, 2019
Clippers gave up six first round picks + Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for PG13 coming off shoulder surgery. Gee, seems a lot.
Oh wait! Paul George is the reason why Kawhi signed with them?!? pic.twitter.com/qNVUEKlUeY
— Basking in Obscurity (@BnB_basketball) July 6, 2019
So Shai for Paul George…
And now Kawhi + Pat Beverly + Playoff P on 48 minute lockdown?
No 3rd star for the Lakers?
Warriors destroyed?
East wide open?
Russ gonna average a quadruple double?
Already the best NBA season of all time?#WhereAmazingHappens pic.twitter.com/wWdB47aZuH
— Mickstape (@MickstapeShow) July 6, 2019
My favorite name is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Such a beautifully simple first name and then a last name that sounds like it belongs to an aristocratic English family that faded into obscurity due to questionable allegiances during WWII. pic.twitter.com/rsNMXzdkfW
— Gorbis (@BionicleDude17) July 10, 2019
Clippers better win the chip they literally gave away their entire future for PG13 (4 unprotected 1st rounders, 1 protected 1st rounder, 2 pick swaps and my man Shai Gilgeous-Alexander)
— Ross (@Mike_Ross24) July 6, 2019
I will say this. Those draft picks could be anything. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is going to be a STAR in the NBA. He’s so, so good, and I’m legit bummed he’s no longer on the Clippers. Hope he becomes great in OKC
— Robert Flom (@RichHomieFlom) July 6, 2019
Lost in all of this madness: The Clippers are really, really high on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. They did not want to trade him. OKC now has a future lead guard after the Westbrook era ends.
— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) July 6, 2019
With that being said I don’t love giving up Shai Gilgeous + all those picks. You gotta do what you gotta do to get Kawhi and PG13. But I think Shai is really young with a high ceiling and would be good running the point on that team. #Clippers #KawahiWatch
— Diesel (@eatgoodsports) July 6, 2019
The clippers gave up a lot for PG13. 5 first round (4 of them unprotected ) picks is insane and Shai Gilgeous, he’s lowkey a stud
— Beloved CLB 🇭🇹 (@d_loadinggg) July 6, 2019
I heard there was an earthquake on the west coast. I didn’t know that there was two of them. Kawhi and PG13 going to the Clippers? Shai Gilgeous-Alexander going to OKC, plus 5 First Round picks? Clippers mortgaged their future to win now. Shai is going to be awesome.
— Deconsecrated Madness (@carolinaayers78) July 6, 2019
Just realized the Thunder traded Serge Ibaka on an expiring deal for what’s turned into Jerami Grant, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, five unprotected first-rounders and two pick swaps.
Possibly the greatest transaction string ever.
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) July 6, 2019
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is SUCH a Presti player by the way.
— Fred Katz (@FredKatz) July 6, 2019
I expect to see a lot of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (who is really, really good. Future all-star good) jerseys around town this year.
— Carson Cunningham (@Carson_OKC) July 8, 2019
I know OKC Thunder fans might be disappointed about losing Paul George this morning, but that trade from the Clippers could work out amazingly. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander could be incredible & I’m sure there will be more moves to come. pic.twitter.com/leIUpzN2AZ
— Dan Kelley (@DanKelley66) July 6, 2019
Basketball, NBA, Social Media, Trade, Twitter, Evergreen, Featured, LA Clippers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Paul George, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
