When the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder reached the 2025 NBA Finals, fans and analysts dubbed it ‘the Paul George series.’ The paradox is that Paul George himself does not play for either of these teams. However, it was his transfers in 2017 and 2019 that were key in building both finalists. This story is a vivid example of how proper asset management, timely trades and strategic planning can influence the future of entire franchises.
Chapter 1. George’s rise in Indiana
Paul George was selected 10th overall in the 2010 draft by the Indiana Pacers. By 2013, he had become the face of the team, leading them to the Eastern Conference Finals twice, where the Pacers gave LeBron James’ Miami Heat a serious fight.
In 2014, George suffered a serious injury — a broken tibia while playing for the US national team. Despite this, he returned to superstar level, earning All-Star invitations and continuing to be Indiana’s leader.
However, in 2017, seeing no prospects in the small market and tired of fighting for the playoffs, George demanded a trade. The Pacers management agreed to a deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
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Chapter 2. How the Pacers became a finalist team
The 2017–2018 season was a stellar one for Oladipo, who averaged 23.1 points and looked like a new star. However, subsequent injuries prevented him from realising his full potential.
The key factor was the rise of Domantas Sabonis, who by 2022 had become an All-Star player with ‘20+10’ stats and tremendous work ethic. But the biggest break came in February 2022, when Indiana traded Sabonis to Sacramento and received in return:
Tyrese Haliburton, currently the league’s best passer;
Buddy Hield, a consistent shooter.
In 2024, Pascal Siakam joined the team, and the core of Haliburton, Siakam and Myles Turner (the only remaining player from the George era) led the Pacers to the Eastern Conference Finals and, in 2025, to the NBA Finals.
Chapter 3. How the Thunder won the trade of the century
In 2019, Paul George unexpectedly demanded a trade out of Oklahoma City to join Kawhi Leonard on the Clippers. OKC responded with one of the most massive trades in history:
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, then a rookie;
5 first-round draft picks and 2 trade options.
How this changed the Oklahoma City Thunder:
SGA became the 2025 MVP;
One of the 2022 picks was Jalen Williams, an All-Star participant;
Thanks to other assets, Chet Holmgren, a key big man in the current roster, was acquired;
The remaining picks provided flexibility for further trades.
As a result, the Thunder won 68 games in the 2024/25 regular season, became the top team in the West and reached the finals.
