It's over! Thank you, Clippers! The blockbuster trade that reshaped the NBA championship landscape.

The Clippers missing the playoffs brings joy to the Thunder, as it aids them in locking in a 2026 lottery selection.For the Clippers, the positive development is the formal completion of all obligations to the Thunder, marking the end of a seven-year challenging period.

In summer 2019, aiming to bring in Paul George alongside Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers traded to the Thunder Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, four unprotected first-round picks, one lottery-protected first-round pick, and two rights to swap first-round picks.

The most significant asset the Clippers gave the Thunder was undoubtedly Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has since become an MVP, Finals MVP, and champion, emerging as one of the league's premier superstars. The growth of this 2018 11th overall pick has been astonishing.

Additionally, the 2022 first-round pick the Clippers sent to the Thunder was used by them to select Jalen Williams with the 12th overall pick; he has now also developed into an All-Star, max-contract, championship-winning player.

Thus, the Thunder's current success owes a great deal—100%—to the Clippers' contributions, even directly facilitating the rise of a championship team in 2025.

This season, the Thunder continued their strong performance, securing a 64-18 record in the regular season to top the Western Conference and the league. Their first-round playoff opponent is the Warriors/Suns.

Most external predictions suggest the Thunder can achieve a repeat championship this year, capturing their second franchise title and thereby solidifying their status as the league's dominant force.

Statistics show,During the regular season, the Thunder averaged 119 points per game (5th in the league), allowed 107.9 points (2nd), had an offensive efficiency of 117.6 (7th), a defensive efficiency of 106.5 (1st), a true shooting percentage of 59.9% (4th), scored 22 points off turnovers (1st), limited opponent field goal percentage to 43.7% (1st), and forced 16.7 opponent turnovers per game (2nd), among other metrics.

Clearly, the Thunder's most formidable weapon is their defense, while also possessing one of the best offenses, making them the league's top team in terms of combined offensive and defensive prowess.

The question arises: who can stop this new king? The Spurs, led by Victor Wembanyama's super young core, might be one answer.