The Impact of the Paul George Trade
The journey to the 2025 NBA Finals for both the Indiana Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder can be traced back to a pivotal trade involving Paul George. Once a cornerstone of the Pacers, George’s departure set off a chain reaction that reshaped both franchises into this year’s conference champions.
Paul George’s Career with the Pacers
Paul George, selected by the Pacers as the 10th overall pick in the 2010 NBA Draft, became a four-time All-Star, steering Indiana to multiple conference finals during his tenure. However, by 2017, he expressed his intention to leave, favoring a move to the Los Angeles Lakers. In a bid to avoid losing him for nothing, the Pacers traded George to the Thunder, acquiring Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis in return.
The Aftermath of the Trade
Both players flourished under the Pacers’ system, with Oladipo earning All-Star honors. However, injuries plagued Oladipo, leading to a significant trade in 2020 that sent him to the Houston Rockets as part of a larger deal that sent James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets. This trade netted Indiana Caris LeVert and additional draft picks, one of which, the 32nd overall in 2023, was later traded along with the 29th pick to secure a first-round selection from none other than the Thunder. This draft pick was crucial, as it ultimately helped the Pacers land Pascal Siakam in 2024, who was named the MVP of the Eastern Conference Finals.
LeVert, too, was not overlooked in the Pacers’ strategy, as they eventually traded him to the Cleveland Cavaliers for multiple draft picks, leading to the acquisition of players like Andrew Nembhard and Ben Sheppard, who contribute to the team’s current success. Sabonis, who was dealt to the Sacramento Kings in 2022, was exchanged for Tyrese Haliburton, who has since emerged as Indiana’s top talent.
The Thunder’s Transformation
Meanwhile, for the Thunder, Paul George’s presence was fleeting, as he spent two seasons in Oklahoma City, culminating in early playoff exits. The pivotal moment came in July 2019 when the Los Angeles Clippers pursued George, seeking a superstar pairing for Kawhi Leonard. General Manager Sam Presti maximized this opportunity, receiving Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, and multiple first-round picks from the Clippers.
Gilgeous-Alexander has developed into the league’s MVP, while Jalen Williams, drafted with one of the first-round picks acquired in that deal, has also become an All-Star. The remaining picks from that trade bolster the Thunder’s future, with three selections in the upcoming draft allowing them to continue building a competitive roster amid rising salaries.
Conclusion
In effect, both teams have transformed the initial trade of Paul George into key pieces contributing to their playoff success, with the Pacers now sporting Haliburton, Siakam, Nembhard, Sheppard, and an emerging talent in Johnny Furphy. This interconnected history showcases how one significant trade can alter the trajectory of multiple franchises, propelling them toward championship contention.
