Sam Presti has established himself as one of the most innovative and forward-thinking executives in NBA history. From his ability to identify and develop young talent to his mastery of long-term planning, Sam Presti has built the OKC Thunder into a powerhouse through a series of savvy trades, draft picks, and financial prudence. As the NBA enters a new era under the restrictive terms of the recently implemented collective bargaining agreement (CBA), Presti has positioned the Thunder to not only navigate these challenges but to thrive. With a deep, young roster, an impressive draft capital war chest, and one of the most affordable salary caps in the league, Presti’s work in Oklahoma City over the past few years makes a compelling case for him being the executive of the decade.
NBA Business: Sam Presti’s OKC Thunder Blueprint for NBA Dominance
Transforming Loss into Opportunity: The Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Trade
Sam Presti’s tenure as the Oklahoma City Thunder’s general manager has been defined by brilliant decision-making, none more evident than the trade of Paul George to the Clippers in 2019. Presti turned George’s desire to join Kawhi Leonard in Los Angeles into a monumental return for the Thunder. In exchange, OKC received Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a wealth of draft assets—five first-round picks and two pick swaps. Gilgeous-Alexander, who was a promising rookie at the time, has since become a bona fide superstar, averaging over 30 points per game for two straight seasons and leading the Thunder to the top of the Western Conference.
Jalen Williams, one of the picks acquired in that deal, has already emerged as a rising star, further solidifying the trade as one of Presti’s finest moves. The Clippers’ potential struggles due to injuries to their star Kawhi could lead to more high-value picks for Oklahoma City. This gives Presti additional opportunities to bolster his roster.
Building a Team for the Future Under the New CBA
The Thunder are uniquely positioned to thrive under the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which will last until the 2029-30 season. This CBA enforces strict financial penalties for teams operating above the first and second aprons—salary thresholds that limit a team’s flexibility in roster construction. With most teams struggling to stay under these thresholds, OKC stands out with the seventh-lowest salary cap for the 2024-25 season at just $158.2 million, significantly below the first apron of $178.1 million. This financial prudence allows the Thunder to exploit every available tool—trades, free-agent signings, and draft picks—without being constrained by punitive measures.
Sam Presti’s ability to maintain cap flexibility while accumulating a league-high 33 draft picks between now and the 2030-31 season puts the OKC Thunder in a prime position to either develop young talent or package those picks for established stars. Given the unpredictable nature of the NBA, having this draft capital provides OKC with a crucial hedge against injury or underperformance by other teams, particularly the Clippers, from whom they still hold future pick swaps.
Depth, Youth, and Strategic Excellence
The Thunder are not just financially flexible—they are also the deepest team in the NBA, a rare feat for such a young roster. Last season, they became the youngest first seed in the Western Conference, a testament to the depth and talent Presti has cultivated. Players like Cason Wallace, Chet Holmgren, and JDubs equip the team to compete for years to come. This depth ensures that the Thunder can absorb the impact of injuries better than most teams while maintaining a high level of play.
Presti’s Legacy: A New Era of Team Building
Presti’s work in OKC has drawn comparisons to his previous success in assembling the trio of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden. However, the current iteration of the Thunder could surpass those achievements, particularly if this team manages to win a championship, something that eluded Presti’s earlier core. His ability to pivot from losing star players, like George and Westbrook, to constructing a future-proof team under the new CBA, cements his status as one of the best executives in NBA history.
In conclusion, Sam Presti’s foresight, financial acumen, and draft mastery have given the Thunder a significant competitive advantage in the league. The Thunder have built a team that can not only compete but dominate in the new era of NBA basketball, thanks to their young talent, future draft capital, and salary cap flexibility.
