The LA Clippers’ Play-In loss to the Golden State Warriors has handed the Oklahoma City Thunder another valuable lottery pick, extending the long-term impact of the Paul George trade.
What looked like a single elimination game carried consequences far beyond just playoff qualification.
With the Clippers falling short, the ripple effect has once again shifted in Oklahoma City’s favor, reinforcing how one deal continues to shape both franchises years later.
LA Clippers’ loss sends valuable lottery pick to OKC Thunder
The Clippers’ 126-121 defeat to the Warriors not only ended their season but also locked in their position in the NBA Draft lottery, which now benefits Oklahoma City.
As part of the 2019 Paul George trade, the Thunder hold swap rights, meaning they will take control of the Clippers’ lottery pick while sending back their own later first-round selection.
With Los Angeles finishing just outside the playoffs, they enter the lottery with the 12th-best odds, giving OKC a strong chance at a mid-lottery selection.
The probabilities underline that position, with the Clippers most likely to land at No. 12, but still holding slim chances to jump higher depending on lottery results.
OKC Thunder continue to benefit from Paul George trade fallout
This marks another instance of Oklahoma City capitalizing on the original deal, which has consistently delivered draft value over multiple seasons.
In previous years, similar outcomes have already translated into impactful players, reinforcing how valuable these picks have become to the franchise’s rebuild and rise.
The latest addition now arrives at a time when the Thunder are no longer rebuilding, but positioning themselves as a contender.
With the 2026 draft lottery set for May 10 and the draft scheduled for June 23-24, Oklahoma City will once again have a key asset to strengthen an already competitive roster.
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