How the Thunder Built a Champion
One trade, two drafts, and years of patience. Explore the decisions that produced a 68-win champion.
- 2017
Betting on Paul George
OKC trades Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis to Indiana for Paul George.
- 2019
Undrafted Dort signed
A two-way contract becomes a defensive cornerstone.
See the move - 2019
The George trade
George to LAC for SGA, Gallinari and a record pick haul. The rebuild begins.
See the move - 2022
Two franchise picks in one night
Chet Holmgren at No. 2 and Jalen Williams at No. 12 with the Clippers' pick.
See the move - 2023
Trading up for Wallace
OKC moves from 12 to 10 to secure Cason Wallace.
See the move - 2024
Contender pivot
Giddey for Caruso, then Hartenstein in free agency. Presti finally spends.
See the move - 2025
Champions
68 wins, an MVP for SGA, and a seven-game Finals win over Indiana.
The Move That Made It Possible
The Paul George trade
Produced the MVP (SGA) and, via the 2022 Clippers pick, the second-best player on the title team (Jalen Williams).
Other Franchises
How the Warriors Built a Dynasty
Curry (7th, 2009), Thompson (11th, 2011), Green (35th, 2012) and the 2014 hiring of Steve Kerr formed the 2015 core.
How the 49ers Built a Contender
Nick Bosa (2nd, 2019), Fred Warner (3rd round, 2018), George Kittle (5th round, 2017) and Brock Purdy (262nd, 2022).
How the Brewers Stay in Contention
A pitching development pipeline and a habit of trading stars a year early.