Clippers' Shai Gilgeous-Alexander trade goes down in NBA history after Thunder title

The Los Angeles Clippers went for the near-term gain.

They saw the potential, to an extent. They wouldn't have taken Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with the No. 11 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft out of Kentucky if they didn't.

But then on July 10, 2019, the Clippers traded SGA.

In that deal, the Clippers got Paul George.

OKC not only got Gilgeous-Alexander, but also the draft pick that became co-star Jalen Williams, along with multiple other first-rounders.

And on Sunday night, Gilgeous-Alexander completed his ascent.

Not only was he the regular season MVP. He was the Finals MVP for the NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder.

MORE: SGA joins 10 NBA legends on historic MVP double list

The Clippers are still seeking their first title.

And Gilgeous-Alexander is far from done.

The Thunder have a ton of draft picks to use, including some still from the Clippers. They have SGA and Williams, already sent their way by the Clippers.

And for the foreseeable future, the Western Conference runs through Oklahoma City. Oh, what could've been for the Clippers.

MORE: Thunder have so many future draft picks to keep chasing NBA titles