Thunderous Intentions
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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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SEATTLE – JANUARY 10: Ray Allen #34 of the Seattle SuperSonics drives against Gary Payton #20 of the Miami Heat on January 10, 2007 at Key Arena in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE – JANUARY 10: Ray Allen #34 of the Seattle SuperSonics drives against Gary Payton #20 of the Miami Heat on January 10, 2007 at Key Arena in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images) /

Presti makes big trade in first move

Trade Details

Boston Celtics Receive

Ray Allen

Draft rights to Glen “Big Baby” Davis (No. 35 overall pick- 2007 NBA Draft)

Supersonics Receive

Wally Szczerbiak

Delonte West

Draft rights to Jeff Green (No. 5 overall pick-2007 NBA Draft)

Just 22 days into his tenure with the franchise, Presti pulled the trigger on his first trade. The move involved Ray Allen, one of the sport’s top shooting guards.

The Supersonics were about to go into a rebuilding mode, and were looking for assets that could help shape the future of the franchise. Allen was a player that had a lot of value, and could get them a solid trade package in return.

With an unhappy superstar in Paul Pierce, the Boston Celtics were trying to bolster their roster. As we all know, Kevin Garnett was added later in the offseason to create the Celtics Big Three. In their first season together, the trio led the Celtics to an NBA finals victory.

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In return, the Supersonics acquired a trade package that centered around rookie forward Jeff Green. In four seasons with the organization, Green was primarily a starter, and averaged 14.2 points-per-game. Although he was a solid offensive player, Green never turned out to be the player many executives expected him to become.

Both Szczerbiak and West had short terms with the organization. Halfway through their first season with the franchise, both players were dealt to the Cleveland Cavaliers as part of a three-team blockbuster deal.

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