Kawhi Leonard Trade Saga (2019)
The blockbuster free-agent signing and trade that finally turned the Clippers into a championship threat.
Following a tumultuous free agency period where Leonard chose to leave Toronto as a free agent, the Clippers orchestrated a blockbuster deal that brought the two-time Finals MVP to Los Angeles alongside Paul George, who was acquired via trade with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Quick Facts
- Player acquired
- Kawhi Leonard (via free agency) and Paul George (via trade)
- Role
- Franchise Cornerstone & Two-Way Stars
- Previous team
- Toronto Raptors (Leonard); Oklahoma City Thunder (George)
- Key co-acquisition
- Paul George
Lore & Background
The acquisition itself was a masterclass in asset management, sending a package including Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, and multiple first-round picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Paul George. This move instantly elevated the roster's ceiling, pairing Leonard with George to form one of the most potent duos in the league. The narrative shifted overnight from 'when will they break through' to 'can anyone stop them,' creating an electric atmosphere at the Staples Center that had rarely been felt by Clippers fans.
Reader's Guide
The Clippers' history is defined by a long struggle to find stability before finding their footing in Los Angeles. After moving from Buffalo to San Diego and then to LA, the franchise spent decades as the 'other' team in town, often overshadowed by the Lakers. Ownership changes under Donald Sterling were marked by controversy, but the eventual sale to Steve Ballmer in 2014 brought a new era of financial commitment. This stability allowed General Manager Lou Williams and later Mitch Kupchak to build a roster capable of attracting superstars. No longer a team defined by defensive struggles or lack of star power, the Clippers finally assembled a core built for contention, setting the stage for their first-ever NBA Finals appearance.
More in Club History & Eras
Elsewhere in Los Angeles Clippers
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced