Yeah, we woke up fast too.
“Just waking up in the morning, gotta thank God. I don’t know, but today feels kind of odd.”
Ice Cube gave us those lyrics in 1992, and they’re the first words that came to mind when we read today’s news about Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers and….Paul George?
Yes, that’s right everyone. If you’re just waking up, you’re reading the jaw dropping news that the Clippers just shocked the world and, reportedly, got Kawhi and Paul George in a blockbuster deal.
Adrian Wojnarowski on Twitter
Free agent forward Kawhi Leonard has informed runners-up teams of his plans: He’s signing with the Clippers, league sources tell ESPN.
Adrian Wojnarowski on Twitter
Sources: Oklahoma City is getting a massive package of future picks, including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Galllinari, to deliver Kawhi Leonard who he wanted to partner with: Paul George. https://t.co/4bGpMNat8K
The Clippers just laughed in the faces of every single talking head that “knew” where Kawhi would end up, and quietly built the master plan that brought Leonard back to Southern California. In addition, Paul George, who at one time was rumored to be head to LA before signing with OKC, is now actually doing so. Only it’s with the other team in the Staples Center.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski:
“the Clippers are trading four future unprotected first-round picks, a protected first-round pick and two pick swaps to the Thunder to get George, league sources told ESPN.
“The Clippers are sending Oklahoma City their unprotected 2022, 2024 and 2026 picks, their unprotected 2021 and protected 2023 first-round picks via Miami, and the rights to swap picks with the Clippers in 2023 and 2025, league sources said.
“The Clippers also are sending point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Danilo Gallinari to the Thunder in the deal, league sources told ESPN.”
Per reports, George and Leonard wanted to play together, so George pushed the OKC Thunder to create a trade with the Clippers, and they quickly obliged with a deal reminiscent of the now legendary Washington-Saints-Ricky Williams and Dallas-Minnesota-Hershel Walker NFL deals.
Oh, and top of everything, Kawhi will get a reported four year, $142 million contract.
Looks like Doc Rivers and the Clips have taken the LA spotlight to the other side of the building now.
For the Clippers, today is a good day.
