{"id":79241,"date":"2024-05-29T10:14:40","date_gmt":"2024-05-29T14:14:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=79241"},"modified":"2024-05-29T10:14:40","modified_gmt":"2024-05-29T14:14:40","slug":"thunder-sam-presti-reveals-true-thoughts-gordon-hayward-trade","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/05\/29\/thunder-sam-presti-reveals-true-thoughts-gordon-hayward-trade\/","title":{"rendered":"Thunder\u2019s Sam Presti Reveals Thoughts About Hayward Trade"},"content":{"rendered":"

When the Oklahoma City Thunder acquired Gordon Hayward<\/a> from the Charlotte Hornets, it was generally regarded as a good move. Though the Thunder were mature beyond their years, they were lacking a veteran presence in the locker room. Furthermore, because of Hayward\u2019s well-rounded skillset, he could fit in myriad lineups. Ultimately, while the Hayward trade wasn\u2019t expected to deliver a championship to Oklahoma City, it was supposed to move the needle.<\/p>\n

Instead, Hayward played in just 26 games (3 starts), averaging 5.3 points in 17.2 minutes per game. For reference, Hayward had only played fewer than 24 minutes or averaged 11 points per game once; his rookie season. With that said, Hayward played far below expectations. Ultimately, he just didn\u2019t do enough to earn more trust from the organization. By the time the playoffs started, he was out of the rotation.<\/p>\n

Wearing his heart on his sleeve during his exit interview<\/a>, Hayward says his time with the Thunder was \u201cobviously, disappointing with kind of how it all worked out\u201d (per The Oklahoman\u2019s Justin Martinez).<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s not what I thought it would be, and it\u2019s certainly frustrating. I feel like as a player I have a lot to offer, and I just wasn\u2019t given much of an opportunity to do that.<\/p>\n

I think the minutes were certainly down and sporadic to a point where they were nonexistent. Just when I was out there, it was limited touches, I would say.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

On Tuesday, Thunder general manager Sam Presti also addressed those comments.<\/p>\n

Sam Presti Reveals True Thoughts About Hayward Trade<\/h2>\n

\u201cI missed on that,\u201d Presti says of the Hayward trade. \u201cLike, that\u2019s on me.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

“I missed on that. That’s on me, but I’m learning.\u201d<\/p>\n

– Sam Presti discussing how while the Gordon Hayward trade was multidimensional (freed up roster spots & Cap), he feels that he misread it & talked about how it\u2019s a learning experience.<\/p>\n

Found the self-awareness cool. pic.twitter.com\/rJe7f6ASAT<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Thunder Film Room (@ThunderFilmRoom) May 28, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n