The Dallas Mavericks made the worst trade in NBA history, flipping Luka Doncic and Maxi Kleber to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, Max Christie, and a single first-round pick. However, the LA Clippers are still feeling the effects of perhaps the second-worst trade in NBA history.
In 2019, the Clippers sent Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, five first-round draft picks, and two swaps for Paul George. The Thunder added superstar Jalen Williams with one of those picks, winning the NBA title last season.
The Clippers, meanwhile, are yet to even make the Finals. Unlike the Mavericks, the Clippers still employ the architect of the deal that ruined the franchise.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 01: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder handles the ball against Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the fourth quarter at Staples Center on November 01, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LA Clippers Still Employ Lawrence Frank
Ten months after the trade that sent Doncic to the Lakers and ruined the Mavericks’ chances of playing meaningful basketball for the foreseeable future, Nico Harrison was fired. He dug the Mavericks into the position they are currently in, and he wasn’t given a chance to dig them out.
Fans, of course, were thrilled by his dismissal.
The Clippers, meanwhile, are in a worse spot. Not only are they not in the playoff picture, like Dallas, but they don’t have a future worth bragging about.
President for Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank, who built the trade that brought George to town and sent away SGA and the Clippers’ entire future, still holds a job in the front office.
At this point, firing him wouldn’t do too much. Unlike Harrison’s successors, the Clippers don’t have exciting young stars to build around. Los Angeles’ front office is playing with house money, their future belongs to other teams, and any move would be inconsequential. However, it’s still interesting to see how quickly the Mvericks moved (not quick enough for some fans), and the Clippers are still holding on to hope.
LA Clippers Got Fleeced by Sam Presti
The Thunder, at the end of the day, gave up George for an MVP in SGA, an All-Star in Jalen Williams, and several draft picks. Oh, and also a title.
The Thunder, so far this season, are one of the very best teams in NBA history. Williams has yet to even play, so OKC will get even better as the year goes on. On top of that, the Clippers owe the Thunder a draft pick this year.
With their 3-8 record, that pick currently has the seventh-best odds to land number one overall, giving the Thunder even more ammunition to build a dynasty.
Of course, Sam Presti and the Thunder have made savvy deals with other teams along the way, although the trade with the Clippers remains the pièce de résistance. The Doncic trade was horrible, but at least the Mavericks have taken the first step to move on.
The same can’t really be said for the Clippers.
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