Thunderous Intentions
Fansided

Complete guide to Sam Presti’s trades as General Manager

By Nick Delahanty

Sam Presti, Billy Donovan, OKC Thunder (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)
Sam Presti, Billy Donovan, OKC Thunder (Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – APRIL 25: Doug McDermott #25 of the OKC Thunder gets the rebound during the game against the Houston Rockets in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs on April 25, 2017 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – APRIL 25: Doug McDermott #25 of the OKC Thunder gets the rebound during the game against the Houston Rockets in Game Five of the Western Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs on April 25, 2017 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Layne Murdoch/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Bulls get Prestied

Trade Details

Chicago Bulls Receive

Cameron Payne

Anthony Morrow

Joffrey Lauvergne

Thunder Receive

Taj Gibson

Doug McDermott

2018 Second-Round Pick

This trade deadline deal worked out well for the Thunder.

Looking to add additional depth, Presti made the move to acquire Taj Gibson and Doug McDermott.

Gibson stepped into the team’s starting rotation, and provided a very valuable veteran presence. In his 23 games (16 starts) the veteran forward averaged 9 points-per-game. Unfortunately, Gibson was in the final year of his contract, and left OKC to sign with the Minnesota Timberwolves this offseason.

Related Story: Likely Thunder players to take a leap this season

McDermott was acquired to add a legitimate scoring option for the team’s second unit. In 22 games with the Thunder, McDermott averaged 6.6 points-per-game. He is under contract for another season, and the Thunder are hopeful he can be a offensive spark off the bench.

Sometimes, trades just don’t work out for one or even both teams involved. It’s safe to say that the Thunder got the better end of this deal.

Joffrey Lauvergne and Anthony Morrow went on to play in a total of 29 games with the Bulls. Lauvergne is now with the Spurs and Morrow is currently a free agent.

The main piece involved, Cameron Payne, hasn’t worked out either. When they acquired Payne, the Bulls hoped that they could turn him into their starting point guard.

Unfortunately, that plan didn’t pan out.

Payne played in just 11 games for the Bulls, and spent time with the team’s D-League affiliate. As he is now dealing with a broken foot, it is very possible that Payne won’t even make the Bulls roster this upcoming season.

No matter what happens with Payne’s NBA career, Thunder fans will always remember his dance moves:

Think about that – Sam Presti acquired three solid assets from the Bulls and Chicago has literally nothing to show for it. L. O. L.

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