In August 1983 the San Diego Clippers acquired James Donaldson, Greg Kelser, Mark Radford and future selections from Seattle, while the SuperSonics obtained Tom Chambers, Al Wood and other picks. Chambers became a notable Seattle scorer; the Clippers' pick later linked to Michael Cage also supplied a substantial NBA player. The inherited Even Trade grades both current franchise identities A+.
The San Diego Clippers traded Tom Chambers and Al Wood to Seattle in August 1983, taking James Donaldson, Greg Kelser and a later player to be named, Mark Radford. Draft rights were also exchanged in both directions. The Clippers sought several roster pieces instead of relying on Chambers, while the SuperSonics wanted a forward with scoring potential. The agreement involved more than the two best-known names.
Chambers developed into an important offensive player for the SuperSonics before moving elsewhere later in his career. That Seattle production was a tangible return from the trade rather than hypothetical upside. Al Wood supplied additional wing experience, although he was not the central long-term benefit. The draft rights Seattle obtained also had identities, but those later careers should be traced separately rather than used to enlarge Chambers's Seattle totals.
Donaldson offered a useful interior presence, while the Clippers' 1984 first-round selection became associated with Michael Cage, a powerful rebounder who spent substantial NBA time with the franchise. Kelser and Radford were smaller parts of the incoming picture. Another second-round right was tied to Calvin Duncan. The combination provided San Diego with multiple chances to improve its frontcourt instead of receiving only one direct replacement for Chambers.
The inherited A+ grades for both clubs reflect a productive high-end swap rather than identical player roles. Seattle gained a scorer who flourished as a SuperSonic, while the Clippers added players and draft capital, notably Cage. The deal took place when the franchise still played in San Diego and Seattle still had the SuperSonics name. Current franchise identifiers must not erase the history of the 1983 exchange.
Even Trade. The Clippers receive A+ for a package featuring James Donaldson and the pick later used on Michael Cage. Seattle's franchise, now Oklahoma City, also earns A+ for Tom Chambers's productive SuperSonics tenure, plus Al Wood and draft rights. Both sides secured meaningful assets in a major 1983 exchange.