Los Angeles Clippers president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank says the main reason the Clippers stockpiled draft picks was to pursue a star player like Paul George.

The Clippers sent a record amount of picks to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for George. LAC sent Danilo Gallinari, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, first round picks in 2022, 2024 and 2026, along with two first round choices via the Miami Heat (2021 and 2023). The Thunder also obtained the right to swap first round picks in 2023 and 2025.

So yeah, the Clippers gave up a lot to acquire George, but PG is one of the best players in the NBA, so it will be worth it. Plus, there's no guarantee any of those future draft picks will turn into a player of George's caliber down the line.

Paul George was a MVP finalist this past season. The six-time All-Star averaged 28.0 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.1 assists during the regular season while shooting 43.8 percent from the field, 38.6 percent from beyond the arc and 83.9 percent from the free-throw line.

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George underwent surgery to his right rotator cuff and left labrum after the Thunder’s season ended. However, the Clippers expect the swingman to be ready to go for the start of the 2019-20 season.

With George and Kawhi Leonard on the roster, the Clippers are title contenders for the first time in franchise history. It feels good to say that if you're a Clippers fan.