Kawhi Leonard shocked the basketball world Friday night with his free-agency decision to join the Los Angeles Clippers, followed by Paul George joining him via a trade with Oklahoma City.
The NBA had already been through a dramatic night when an aftershock from California earthquake forced the end of a Summer League game, but then the league was shook figuratively hours later.
Leonard took a while to make the decision. And the efforts to recruit George and somehow pull off the trade were kept a secret. Here are the best reactions from around the league.
Kevin Love had quite the thread of responses to the news.
What in the world just happened????
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) July 6, 2019
My face when I heard the news…who can relate??? pic.twitter.com/2yfenrCeeG
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) July 6, 2019
Russ gonna average 36/13/11 ???
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) July 6, 2019
Kawhi Leonard won’t be wearing the Raptors uniform next season. (Photo: Cary Edmondson, USA TODAY Sports)
Dwayne Wade was all for the league shakeup.
Now that’s what I’m talking about!!!The NBA man!!!!!
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) July 6, 2019
Jamal Crawford certainly never saw it coming.
This is the quietest heist I’ve ever seen!!!!!!!!!!! ????
— ? Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) July 6, 2019
Donovan Mitchell said what we were all thinking.
That wasn’t an earthquake it was Woj pic.twitter.com/6AdNOVMoYR
— Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell) July 6, 2019
Kendrick Perkins had his own take on what went down.
I know Doc Rivers didn’t just pull this off!!! Wow ClipperNation!!! Doc must have went in the meeting rapping Jay Z and Singing Beyoncé!!!!
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) July 6, 2019
It seems like new teammate Patrick Beverly’s phone was blowing up over the news.
Don’t talk to me
— Patrick Beverley (@patbev21) July 6, 2019
Robin Lopez remarked on just how much has changed in the NBA.
I’ve said it before but if you woke up from a 25 year coma and found out the Raptors, Cavs and Warriors have chips and the Bucks, Clippers and Nets are all contenders they would have to revive you again
— Robin Lopez (@rolopez42) July 6, 2019
Jusuf Nurkic paid homage to a classic Kawhi meme.
Mood pic.twitter.com/eyV2RuWcHX
— Jusuf Nurkić (@bosnianbeast27) July 6, 2019