{"id":6928,"date":"2025-05-02T23:09:06","date_gmt":"2025-05-02T23:09:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/6928\/"},"modified":"2025-05-02T23:09:06","modified_gmt":"2025-05-02T23:09:06","slug":"will-sga-be-motivated-by-2019-trade-if-he-faces-clippers-in-playoffs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/6928\/","title":{"rendered":"Will SGA be motivated by 2019 trade if he faces Clippers in playoffs?"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the Oklahoma City Thunder<\/a> enjoy a week-plus between games, they’re on the verge of finding their Round 2 opponent in the 2025 NBA playoffs. It’ll either be the Denver Nuggets or the LA Clippers<\/a>, as both teams will play a decisive Game 7 on Saturday.<\/p>\n

Like a pick-your-own-adventure book, either possibility ensures juicy storylines to follow. In Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s case, it’ll either be against his direct competition for the MVP award or against his old squad that shipped him in one of the most shocking NBA trades in recent history.<\/p>\n

If the latter, Gilgeous-Alexander has already extinguished any possible bulletin material. The 26-year-old said he’ll have zero extra motivation if the Thunder match up against the Clippers in their second-round series. Advancing to the Western Conference Finals will be enough motivation in itself.<\/p>\n

“They did (motivated me) a long time ago. I haven\u2019t thought about them in years, though. I can\u2019t hold, I guess you can say, grudges forever in life,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “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.”<\/p>\n

Even though he spent his rookie season on the Clippers, seven years is an eternity in the NBA. No hard feelings reside on Gilgeous-Alexander’s side as he’s blossomed into one of the league’s best players. He’s above personal vendettas against a franchise that’s been widely mocked for the blockbuster deal he was part of.<\/p>\n

Instead, Gilgeous-Alexander is fully focused on a championship. The Thunder are fresh off one of the greatest regular-season campaigns in NBA history. A Round 1 sweep over the Memphis Grizzlies showed how their dominance seamlessly translated to the playoffs. He’s got bigger fish to fry than acting petty against LA.<\/p>\n

SGA on if being traded by the Clippers will be on his mind if LA advances to play the Thunder: \u201cThey did (motivate) me a long time ago. I haven\u2019t thought about them in years though. I can\u2019t hold, I guess you can say, grudges forever in life.\u201d pic.twitter.com\/URPCoqqwVk<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) May 2, 2025<\/a>