In 2019 Clippers traded Shai and Gallinari and four unprotected 1st Round picks, one protected 1st round pick and 2 swaps to acquire Paul George
Since the trade, the Clippers went as far as the WCF but have yet to win a championship.
With the Thunders loaded with great talent and prospects, it’s only a matter of time before they are contenders.
The mistake was being willing to pay so much for Paul George. Even if the Clippers hadn’t included their own picks and swaps, you’re still talking about SGA, Gallinari (a large expiring), and three firsts.
Granted, two MIA firsts and a PHI first were probably presume to top out at the mid-20s, but at some point, the Clippers needed to point out to Kawhi “Look, if we pay any more to trade your running mate, we’re just not going to have enough around you.”