The Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder are at the moment steamrolling their method by the NBA’s common season, turning into the primary staff to ever begin a season 21-1. Even so, they might very nicely find yourself with a excessive lottery choose because of the L.A. Clippers.
The Clippers are off to a dismal begin however owe the Thunder their 2026 first-round choose because of the Paul George commerce, which already ranks as one of many worst offers in NBA historical past. Talking of the NBA, the league is at the moment investigating them and star Kawhi Leonard for alleged wage cap circumvention.
However, the Clippers dropping a lottery choose along with reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is sort of punishment sufficient. In spite of everything, the Clippers unintentionally created a juggernaut within the Thunder whereas they themselves have been attempting to create one in every of their very own.
That failed miserably, and now they face dropping their choose, and probably much more if the NBA finds wrongdoing.
The Thunder are mercilessly punishing the Clippers
Contemplating that the Thunder owns the Clippers’ choose this yr and has a choose swap subsequent yr, L.A. will not be capable of go the standard rebuild route. Particularly if the NBA swoops in and takes all of the Clippers’ remaining first-round picks, leaving them with no first-rounders between now and 2031.
On the flip aspect, contemplating simply how a lot of a poverty franchise the Clippers have been and the way dangerous off they’re now, it is attainable that commissioner Adam Silver could present them mercy. Thoughts you, the Thunder have proven the Clippers no mercy by profiting from their stupidity, however the NBA could deal with L.A. with child gloves fairly than piling on.
Issues do not look so good for the Clippers proper now, and if the NBA have been to bury them if wrongdoing is discovered, then it might take them years to recuperate. It is arduous to think about the league doing that with the Thunder having already punished the Clippers severely.
All advised, the Thunder are nonetheless reaping the advantages of the George commerce six years later. That may be a main concern for the remainder of the NBA. In spite of everything, the Thunder are projected to have the most effective report in NBA historical past in addition to a top-six choose in subsequent yr’s draft on the Clippers’ expense.
In truth, it might probably result in the league taking it straightforward on L.A. when it comes time for them to be punished for the Leonard allegations for the reason that Thunder have punished them sufficient.
