Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

Thunder exec Michael Winger offered Clippers GM position

By Tony Heim

PLAYA VISTA, CA- JUNE 19: Head Coach Doc Rivers of the Los Angeles Clippers name Jerry West as Special Consultant at a press conference in Playa Vista, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
PLAYA VISTA, CA- JUNE 19: Head Coach Doc Rivers of the Los Angeles Clippers name Jerry West as Special Consultant at a press conference in Playa Vista, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – MAY 01: OKC Thunder GM Sam Presti is likely to loose one of his trusted confidants: Michael Winger. Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – MAY 01: OKC Thunder GM Sam Presti is likely to loose one of his trusted confidants: Michael Winger. Copyright 2015 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images) /

The OKC Thunder front office might lose one of their most vital components to the Los Angeles Clippers.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (I still can’t get used to it), the LA Clippers offered Thunder assistant GM Michael Winger their general manager position. The report indicates that Winger will almost assuredly take the opportunity but no official deal has been reached.

Winger has served under Sam Presti the last seven years, sharing the assistant role with Troy Weaver. At only 37 he’s one of the most respected young execs in the league – like Weaver it was only some time before he started being linked with other jobs.

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The immediate influence of Jerry West on the Clippers continues to show with this news. Since leaving the Warriors to consult for LA West has also outed Doc Rivers from his dual role as coach/front office head.

Although Winger is an important part of the front office, this isn’t a major blow for the Thunder. Assistant general managers are essentially consultants for the GM; they help oversee smaller operations and provide a valuable tool as sounding boards for front office heads. Plus, Presti still has Weaver in the fold.

Whether or not the Thunder will promote from within, hire a new assistant or leave the position unfilled is yet to be seen. Just remember this: Sam Presti always has a plan.

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