Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Not Motivated by 2019 Trade if Faced with LA Clippers in Playoffs
As the Oklahoma City Thunder enjoy a week-long break between games, they are on the cusp of discovering their Round 2 opponent in the 2025 NBA playoffs. According to reports from OKC Thunder Wire, the team will face either the Denver Nuggets or the LA Clippers, as both teams prepare to play a decisive Game 7 on Saturday.
The possibility of either team advancing presents intriguing storylines. For Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, it will be a matchup against either a direct competitor for the MVP award or his former team that traded him in one of the most shocking NBA trades in recent history. As reported by OKC Thunder Wire, Gilgeous-Alexander has already dismissed any potential bulletin material, stating that he will not be motivated by the trade if the Thunder face the Clippers in their second-round series.
In comments reported by OKC Thunder Wire, Gilgeous-Alexander said: "They did [motivate me] a long time ago. I haven’t thought about them in years, though. I can’t hold, I guess you can say, grudges forever in life. For whatever reason, they moved off me and they thought it was a good idea and the Thunder vice versa. Those are the cards I was dealt."
The trade that sent Gilgeous-Alexander to the Thunder was widely covered in the sports media, with many pundits questioning the decision by the Clippers. However, as OKC Thunder Wire reports, Gilgeous-Alexander has moved on from the deal, stating that he has "not thought about them in years." This sentiment was reiterated in a tweet by Clemente Almanza, which was reported by OKC Thunder Wire: "SGA on if being traded by the Clippers will be on his mind if LA advances to play the Thunder: “They did [motivate] me a long time ago. I haven’t thought about them in years though. I can’t hold, I guess you can say, grudges forever in life.”
Gilgeous-Alexander’s focus is now firmly on the playoffs, with the Thunder coming off one of the greatest regular-season campaigns in NBA history. A Round 1 sweep over the Memphis Grizzlies demonstrated how their dominance translated seamlessly to the playoffs. As OKC Thunder Wire notes, he has bigger priorities than holding a grudge against the Clippers.
The Thunder’s impressive regular season has set them up well for a deep playoff run. With Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge, they will look to advance to the Western Conference Finals, regardless of their opponent. As reported by OKC Thunder Wire, Gilgeous-Alexander’s focus is firmly on the prize, with the team seeking to make a lasting impact in the playoffs.
In conclusion, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s comments, as reported by OKC Thunder Wire, demonstrate his maturity and focus on the upcoming playoffs. The Thunder’s impressive regular season has set them up well for a deep run, and Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership will be crucial in their pursuit of a championship.
