The Oklahoma City Thunder helped facilitate the earth-shattering move that sent the NBA into a league-wide frenzy by trading Paul George to the L.A. Clippers. This deal eventually helped the Clippers land Kawhi Leonard to form a two-way superstar tandem on their side of Hollywood.

According to former NBA player Kendrick Perkins, the deal had nothing to do with Oklahoma City avoiding the luxury tax. Perkins added that the Thunder traded George because they did not want to have someone who wasn't all in on the team heading into the 2019-20 season.

Multiple reports stated that George went to Thunder GM Sam Presti a few days ago and requested for a trade. The 6-foot-9, two-way swing man had reportedly grown frustrated over how OKC's past two playoff runs ended in disappointing fashion.

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George became the Thunder's first option on offense last year and had a career season. He was among last season's three MVP finalists. George averaged a career-high 28.0 points per game while shooting at a 43.8 percent clip from the field and 38.6 percent from deep. Unfortunately, George's career year went to waste as Oklahoma City bowed out of the first round again courtesy of the Portland Trail Blazers.

In addition to Danilo Gallinari and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder acquired a huge haul of draft picks in exchange for the 2019 All-NBA First Team member. This includes three unprotected picks from the Clippers (2022, 2024, and 2026), a 2021 unprotected pick from the Miami Heat, a top-14 protected pick also from Miami, and the right to swap picks in 2023 and 2025.

With the trade, the Thunder appears like it is headed towards a rebuild.

Perhaps Russell Westbrook will be the next domino to fall, with Steven Adams and Andre Roberson likely to follow.