Sam Presti Articles - Page 2

Minnesota TimberwolvesTimberwolves' bonkers front office plan that originally included Pat Riley

The Minnesota Timberwolves are going big-name fishing to add a star this offseason. But the stars they are looking for right now aren’t on the court. They’re in the front office. The Timberwolves are looking into Tim Connelly, the Denver Nuggets’ president, for the same role in Minnesota. According to Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, […]

Oklahoma City ThunderRussell Westbrook will miss his Thunder days after remark of former confidant

It’s not preposterous to say that the Russell Westbrook Experiment failed miserably for the Los Angeles Lakers. His fit with the team was like DJ Khaled wearing skinny jeans. Unfortunately for Westbrook, he has been viewed as the scapegoat once again despite playing 78 out of 82 games for the Lakers. His erratic play is […]

Oklahoma City ThunderSam Presti drops major hint on retiring Kevin Durant's Thunder jersey after Nets star's comments

Brooklyn Nets star Kevin Durant isn’t afraid to speak his mind. His most recent eye-opening comments involved his former teams, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors. The superstar made it clear that he is expecting both teams to retire his jersey once he retires from the NBA. Neither team addressed Durant’s bold statement, […]

Oklahoma City ThunderLeBron James hits Thunder GM Sam Presti with the ultimate praise

Oklahoma City Thunder GM Sam Presti is well-known around the NBA for his ability to rack up the draft picks and build this franchise for the future. Aside from that, Presti has also drafted numerous talented players over the years who have turned into legitimate superstars including Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. On Saturday at […]

Oklahoma City ThunderThunder trading Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would be reckless

Rebuilding teams with a boatload of draft picks like the Oklahoma City Thunder should always be open to making significant trades. However, that does not mean trading away the best thing your franchise has going for itself. In other words, the Thunder would be out of their minds to move Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. There have been […]

Oklahoma City ThunderWhen will Sam Presti strike with his treasure trove of Thunder draft picks?

Sam Presti and the Oklahoma City Thunder did it again, adding yet another first-round pick to his treasure trove with the Kemba Walker deal. The Thunder are getting the No. 16 pick in 2021 along with Walker and a 2025 second-round pick in exchange for Al Horford, Moses Brown and a 2023 second-round pick. OKC […]

Oklahoma City ThunderA timeline of how the OKC Thunder got 36 NBA Draft picks

The Oklahoma City Thunder somehow have a stockpile of draft picks over the next decade, at least it seems like it. General manager Sam Presti has overhauled the roster, traded away players, and in turn stockpiled an insane amount of assets as the Thunder aim for a full-fledged rebuild and youth rejuvenation after the failed […]

Oklahoma City ThunderHow many future 1st-round draft picks do the Thunder have?

Obviously, the plan for every re-building team is to stock up on young, promising players and obtain as many future assets as possible. However, it seems that the Oklahoma City Thunder and GM Sam Presti are pretty much hoarding at this point. Following their most recent spoils from the 2021 NBA Trade Deadline, the Thunder […]

Oklahoma City ThunderThunder's asking price for George Hill with Lakers, Clippers, Sixers calling

As the trade deadline draws closer, teams that want to be buyers naturally become a bit antsier when the trigger has yet to be pulled on any moves. As a result of this, more and more names start popping up as teams do their due diligence to check in with other teams. One name that […]

Oklahoma City ThunderThunder GM Sam Presti knows what Shai Gilgeous-Alexander should do to make the superstar leap

After Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s stellar campaign with the Oklahoma City Thunder last season, general manager Sam Presti has identified what exactly the guard needs to do to elevate his game into superstar status. Last season, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 19.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists across 34.9 minutes of play. He was one of the main offensive […]

Oklahoma City ThunderGrading the Oklahoma City Thunder's 2020 NBA offseason

A shortened offseason didn’t prevent most NBA teams from making changes as news of trades, signings, and rumored deals were compressed in just over two weeks from the start of free agency. But no team had more changes this offseason than the Oklahoma City Thunder, which will parade a lineup that is almost unrecognizable from […]

Oklahoma City ThunderWhy Thunder built to compete instead of rebuilding, per GM Sam Presti

Amid low expectations, the Oklahoma City Thunder have managed to clinch a berth in the NBA Playoffs this year. General manager Sam Presti shared his insights on their overperformance, citing the “randomness” of every NBA season. Entering the 2019-20 NBA season, analysts thought that the Thunder were about to enter a long rebuilding process. After […]

Oklahoma City ThunderChris Paul's NBA Players Association efforts during hiatus, protests praised by Thunder GM Sam Presti

Chris Paul is not just one of the best guards in the NBA, but he’s also doing some good work as the president of the NBPA amid the long hiatus brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the countrywide protests going on. Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti has taken notice and […]

Chicago BullsReport: Bulls won't pursue Sam Presti or Masai Ujiri for top exec job

The Chicago Bulls reportedly won’t pursue Sam Presti or Masai Ujiri for their top exec job, per Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic. The Bulls are expected to make front office changes. They plan to seek permission to interview Arturas Karnisovas of the Denver Nuggets and Bobby Webster of the Toronto Raptors. Chicago will not pursue […]

Chicago BullsBulls hiring Thunder's Sam Presti is unlikely

The Chicago Bulls have been on the lookout for potential options to run the front office, with Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti and Toronto Raptors president of basketball operations Masai Ujiri being two of the most well-regarded options on the list. The Raptors are unlikely to let go of Ujiri. Presti, the next-best […]

Chicago BullsRUMOR: Sam Presti is Bulls' No. 1 target in front office search

The Chicago Bulls are said to be looking to hire a new general manager this summer and Oklahoma City Thunder architect Sam Presti reportedly has a lot of fans in Chicago. According to David Kapman of ESPN 1000, Presti is the Bulls’ No. 1 target in their front office search: https://twitter.com/ChiSportUpdates/status/1234927135715995648   The Bulls are expected […]

New York KnicksKnicks' James Dolan would be interested in Thunder president Sam Presti

With “Sell the team” chants raining in from the crowd at Madison Square Garden during the New York Knicks’ blowout loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday, it’s clear that fans want the team to run in a new direction. Well, fans might get that wish as Knicks president James Dolan would reportedly be interested […]

Oklahoma City ThunderThunder's Sam Presti was stunned by Paul George's trade request, but respected his approach

Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti was stunned when the agent of Paul George approached him on July 2nd about trading George to a team in which he could play with Kawhi Leonard, according to Ramona Shelburne of ESPN. Presti said he would consider it, but he requested a face-to-face meeting with George before […]

Oklahoma City ThunderThunder GM Sam Presti speaks out on Russell Westbrook's return to Oklahoma City

Thursday is going to be an emotional night for Houston Rockets superstar point guard Russell Westbrook, as the former MVP returns to Oklahoma City to face the Thunder. Westbrook is the most popular player in Thunder franchise history. He’s going to get his No. 0 jersey retired and will probably get a statue outside Chesapeake Energy Arena one […]

Oklahoma City ThunderThunder GM Sam Presti speaks on Paul George's return to OKC as a member of the Clippers

Ahead of the Los Angeles Clippers’ matchup with the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, Thunder general manager Sam Presti expressed his thoughts on All-Star forward Paul George. PG13 will return to OKC for the first time as a member of a visiting team since the summer 2019 trade sent him to L.A. Per ESPN’s Royce […]

Oklahoma City ThunderRumor: Thunder would allow GM Sam Presti to leave for Knicks if he wanted to

A person close to Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti believes his relationship with Thunder owner Clay Bennett is such that if he wants to leave for the New York Knicks or another organization, he’ll be allowed to even while under contract with OKC, according to Stefan Bondy of The New York Daily News. […]

New York KnicksThunder GM Sam Presti has fans within Knicks organization

The New York Knicks are an organization in flux. In the wake of firing head coach David Fizdale last week, the team will forge forth with interim coach Mike Miller. However, the threat of even bigger changes permeates from the front office, with president Steve Mills reportedly facing job security issues of his own. One […]

Oklahoma City ThunderThunder not in a hurry to compete, looking to build a 'sustainable' contending core

When the Oklahoma City Thunder let go of Russell Westbrook and Paul George via trade, it was a sign that the team was heading into rebuild mode. However, they admitted that they’re not in a hurry to complete a ‘sustainable’ contending core. The Thunder have been one of the more successful teams in the last […]

Oklahoma City ThunderThunder GM Sam Presti says Chris Paul 'galvanized' the team in offseason

When Chris Paul landed in the laps of the Oklahoma City Thunder in their blockbuster deal with the Houston Rockets, many assumed they would instantly trade the veteran guard. However, Paul is still on the Thunder, and it seems like he’s ready to take this young squad under his wing. In an article by Brett […]

Oklahoma City ThunderThunder GM Sam Presti stresses patience with developing team, says there are 'no shortcuts'

Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti was the architect of the franchise’s 2012 NBA Finals appearance, featuring future NBA MVPs in the trio of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden. Now, Presti is overseeing the next transformation in the history of the Thunder. The past offseason saw Presti part with longtime fan favorite […]

Oklahoma City ThunderSam Presti claims Thunder fans 'are going to really enjoy watching' Chris Paul play

Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti says Thunder fans “are going to really enjoy watching” Chris Paul play this upcoming season. While we don’t know if Paul is going to spend the entire season in OKC, Presti knows CP3 is going to bring it every night he’s in a Thunder uniform. Sam Presti when […]

Oklahoma City ThunderSam Presti expects Chris Paul to have a good year, Steven Adams to develop more

Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti is hopeful for a new era of this franchise, despite obviously trending to rebuilding after losing Paul George and Russell Westbrook in the offseason. OKC did get back Chris Paul by dealing Westbrook, an addition Presti expects will pay off, as well as his incorporation alongside Steven Adams. […]

Oklahoma City ThunderSam Presti responds to Kevin Durant's scathing comments toward OKC

A newly-bearded Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti responded to Kevin Durant’s scathing comments about the organization and its employees during an interview with WSJ. Magazine. The longtime executive didn’t go into details, but noted the organization has done everything that’s been asked of it during his tenure in OKC. “I think we’ve been […]

Oklahoma City ThunderThunder GM Sam Presti speaks out on realistic goals for 2019-20 season

The Oklahoma City Thunder and Sam Presti pushed the reset button after they traded away both Paul George and Russell Westbrook in the offseason. The trade officially places Oklahoma City in rebuild mode for the foreseeable future. In an interview with Brett Dawson of The Athletic, Thunder GM Sam Presti discussed about their plan of […]

Oklahoma City ThunderThunder GM Sam Presti encouraged by Darius Bazley's ballhandling, but knows it'll be a process with him

The Oklahoma City Thunder took a chance in one of the most unique prospects in the 2019 NBA Draft, selecting Darius Bazley with the 23rd overall pick, a long, dynamic forward who chose to forgo his college eligibility and turned down Syracuse to seek out his own path to the league. Thunder general manager Sam […]

Oklahoma City ThunderNBA exec expects Thunder GM Sam Presti to trade Chris Paul 'for something useful'

An anonymous NBA executive expects Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti to trade veteran point guard Chris Paul “for something useful” down the line. Paul is expected to begin the 2019-20 season on the Thunder. However, Presti will most likely try and find a trade partner for CP3 before the February 2020 trade deadline. […]

Oklahoma City ThunderThunder GM Sam Presti explains why he granted Paul George's trade request

Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti spoke with the local media on Thursday and talked about why he granted small forward Paul George’s trade request. The Thunder traded George to the Los Angeles Clippers and got an unbelievable haul. OKC acquired Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari and five first-round picks: Sam Presti on why he […]

Oklahoma City ThunderSam Presti hesitant to say OKC is starting to rebuild

Despite the fact that the Oklahoma City Thunder lost Paul George and Russell Westbrook this offseason, general manager Sam Presti isn’t quite ready to say that his team is entering a rebuilding phase. “I wouldn’t say that we’ve started to rebuild,” Presti told Brett Dawson of The Athletic on Thursday. “The first step is re-positioning […]

Oklahoma City ThunderThunder GM Sam Presti expresses confusion about Russell Westbrook, Paul George 'discontent' with franchise

Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti had kind words for former stars Paul George and Russell Westbrook at a press conference on Thursday, but he also seemed surprised when questioned about the reported discontent of the duo. Presti claimed that most NBA players are unhappy when the season ends without a championship, and insisted […]

Oklahoma City ThunderSam Presti says Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a 'tremendously bright future'

Though they lost Paul George in their recent trade with the L.A. Clippers, the Oklahoma City Thunder received Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as part of the deal — a player who Sam Presti is excited to have aboard. In a recent interview with Brett Dawson of The Athletic, Presti noted that Gilgeous-Alexander has “a bright future in […]

Oklahoma City ThunderSam Presti says it's 'really, really special' to have a future Hall of Famer in Chris Paul with Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder will be fielding a team led by Chris Paul next season, as long as there’s no surprise trade in the coming months. The Thunder are not expected to contend for a championship, but they have what it takes to be competitive. General manager Sam Presti said he’s excited to see what […]

Oklahoma City ThunderSam Presti says he didn't get Paul George trade request until July

Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti explained the Paul George situation at length, claiming he did not hear of his trade request until July, according to Maddie Lee of The Oklahoman. “When the situation developed in July, that was the first we heard of that,” said Presti, referring to the George trade request. Presti […]

Los Angeles ClippersSam Presti disagrees that parting ways with Paul George was 'mutual,' but it wasn't 'adversarial'

The L.A. Clippers welcomed Kawhi Leonard and Paul George to the organization with an introductory press conference on Wednesday afternoon. During the event, George noted that his decision to leave the Oklahoma City Thunder was “mutual.” However, Thunder general manager Sam Presti “wouldn’t necessarily agree” with George’s assessment, according to a report from Brett Dawson […]

Oklahoma City ThunderSam Presti thanks Russell Westbrook, Paul George for their contributions

Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti was effusive in thanking Russell Westbrook and Paul George for their contributions shortly after taking out an op-ed on The Oklahoman to explain the team’s decision to undergo a rebuild. Presti thanked Westbrook “for the tremendous contributions he’s made to our organization and community, the time he put […]

Oklahoma City ThunderSam Presti laments challenges of being in a small market

The Oklahoma City Thunder has lost two of their best players after they have decided to trade both Paul George and Russell Westbrook. And as painful as it is for the team executives, particularly general manager Sam Presti, they will have to go through the long process of rebuild once again. Since 2008, the Thunder […]

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