Though Kemba Walker signing with the Boston Celtics was the Houdini’s most notable acquisition, the general public may think that honor goes to the two-part deal that delivered Kawhi Leonard and Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers. That blockbuster, one that involved the Clippers giving up FIVE first round draft picks and two pick swaps to the Oklahoma City Thunder, may set off even more blockbuster transactions.
It is looking like the Thunder are pivoting to a full-scale rebuild after re-signing George, Russell Westbrook and Steven Adams to huge deals the last few years. Westbrook, who is a top-15 player in the league at worst, reportedly asked for a trade out of town after seeing George join a contender following his own trade request.