Sam Presti: A Look at His Best and Worst Trades as GM

VERDICT: EVEN TRADE

After a series of less-than-stellar big men were drafted and signed by the Thunder, Presti decided to reach out to a familiar trading partner to fix their needs in the post. Once again, he put together a deal with the Boston Celtics that would send Nenad Krstic and former Celtic Jeff Green to Boston in exchange for guard Nate Robinson and center Kendrick Perkins. 

At the time, Thunder fans were excited about the trade. Perkins was the starting center for the Celtics during their multiple runs to the Finals. He provided a mental and physical toughness that the team desperately needed in the paint. Though Perkins wasn’t much of a scorer, he would provide a massive defensive presence. Presti was so confident in the trade that the franchise immediately signed Perkins to a four year/$34.8 million deal. Also, Robinson was an electrifying point guard that would be a crowd favorite while providing key minutes off the bench.

The team wasn’t too upset about parting ways with Green since the Thunder back court was crowded with star talent at the time. Green would go on to earn the love and respect from Boston fans and fit in well with the Celtics for a short time (he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies earlier this year).

As time went on, the trade went from exactly what the team needed to just another attempt to fix a lingering issue. Robinson stayed with the team for less than a year and Thunder fans began to wonder if Presti had made the right move by signing Perkins to such a big contract.

Next: The Infamous Harden Trade