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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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – May 7: Thabo Sefolosha #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at the Chesapeake Arena on May 7, 2014 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Copyright 2014 NBAE (Photo by Richard Rowe/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – May 7: Thabo Sefolosha #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder drives against the Los Angeles Clippers in Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals during the 2014 NBA Playoffs at the Chesapeake Arena on May 7, 2014 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Copyright 2014 NBAE (Photo by Richard Rowe/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Presti Loves Defense

Being that these two players are so similar in nature, we decided to combine the two deals in one part.

Trade Details:

Trade #1

Chicago Bulls Receive

2009 First Round Draft Pick

Thunder Receive

Thabo Sefolosha

When Presti took over as the team’s general manager, he made it known that the organization was looking to build a defensive-minded roster.

Looking for players who fit that mold, Presti struck a deal for a young player with only two years of NBA experience.

Although he didn’t provide much on the offensive side of the ball, Thabo Sefolosha developed into a defensive force for the Thunder. He spent six seasons with the organization, and his ability to guard the opposing team’s top offensive player was critical to the Thunder’s success.

Trade #2

Golden State Receives

Draft rights to Archie Goodwin

Cash

Thunder Receives

Andre Roberson

When Sefolosha signed with the Atlanta Hawks, Roberson was called upon to fill his void in the starting rotation. It was a role that Roberson quickly began to thrive in.

Related Story: Andre Roberson was the Thunder’s second best player last season

In his first four NBA Seasons, Roberson has served as the team’s primary defensive stopper. Due to his defensive efforts, many consider him to be one of the league’s top defenders. He was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team for the 2016-2017 season.

The Thunder see how valuable he is to their roster. Roberson and the Thunder agreed to a four year contract this summer to keep him in Oklahoma City.

Recently, ESPN.com ranked Roberson as the #85 best player on their Top 100 list for the upcoming season.

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