Thunder in the news: Sam Presti mission to contend continues

With the NBA Combine finished the interesting tidbits for OKC Thunder fans was what apparently was a busy four days for Sam Presti.

It’s not a surprise the OKC Thunder intend to pursue a title again next season. That’s what you do with a generational talent on your team like Russell Westbrook. Never mind the threat of the ballooning salary of a roster which didn’t achieve this past season. Don’t forget about the $27.9 million dollar elephant in the room.

Presti has a tall task to address which also includes keeping his superstar happy while trying not to become the first $300 million team.

Paul George Priority:

Certainly there are a number of questions to be answered this offseason. Chief among them are whether Sam Presti can convince Paul George to re-sign a long term contract and remain in OKC. There have been hints the pendulum has swung in the Thunder’s favor.

First and foremost George had Thunder doctors present for his recent medical procedures. This past weekend there were reports Sam Presti was seen huddling in a corner having a serious conversation with George’s agent.

And, of course the occasional rumors from the “unnamed source in George’s camp” he wants to return. Don’t you love those “unnamed sources”?

Shed Carmelo Anthony:

Even prior to being traded to the OKC Thunder the constant narrative was Paul George wanted to play for his hometown Lakers. But, what if recent rumors linking the Lakers as one of 4 teams  LeBron will consider this summer (Lakers, Rockets, 76ers, Cavaliers) are true. Moreover, what of the recent article which states the Lakers brain trust is willing to move any of their youthful stars for the right players.

Tanya Ganguli of the Los Angeles Times indicates the Lakers are so flexible none of their youthful talents is untouchable.

"While they like their young core and would prefer to keep those players growing together, they have told teams no player is untouchable in trades, according to multiple sources who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of trade and free-agent negotiations."

"To be clear, the Lakers are not actively shopping any of their players. They are willing to listen to offers and could move one of them — even a member of the talented young cadre of Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram or Josh Hart — if an offer blows them away."

The Melo – Lakers ‘what if’ scenario:

More from Thunderous Intentions

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• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

Let’s extrapolate that thought further, and for the moment consider the ‘what if’ LeBron lands in LA. Everyone knows of James’ desire to unite the banana boat boys for a run at the ring. What if his mandate to Magic Johnson is bringing Melo on board. Sure, this is a stretch, but I’m committed to turning over every single stone toward this endeavor.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not an “anti Melo” person. In the right system he can still flourish. Rather, it seems he’s headed toward an Allen Iverson type finish to his career.  More specifically, failing to find the “right fit” could result in disaster for Melo.

Based on what Anthony suggested as his priorities they are diametrically opposed. Specifically, he wants to win a title, but he’s unwilling to play a reserve role. There are teams he could start on, but how many title contenders would allow him to start, especially after this season?

So, this leads to the thought process Anthony may need to rely on his friend LeBron James to insist Anthony is on his team. Another option would be gaining Chris Paul’s assistance in Houston.

Sam Presti committed to winning:

Bottom line, Presti is not about to throw in the towel. Which is precisely what Berry Tramel indicated in his NewsOK article.

"“Those who call for Thunder rebuilding have no appreciation for what the NBA wilderness is like. And no reason they should. We’ve never had to go through it. We have no idea how dreary the existence in Orlando or Charlotte or Phoenix or Chicago, where one bad season becomes five, where losing becomes ingrained in the culture, where “Wait ‘til next decade” replaces “Wait ‘til next year.”"

I’m firmly in the same camp as Tramel. Having witnessed well over a decade of futility in Toronto, it isn’t fun. Those seasons are spent grasping at small successes. One key win is celebrated like a big playoff victory. When a young prospect performs well it’s almost the equivalent of a star player winning an award.

Presti is dedicated to winning and will do his best to surround Westbrook, Steven Adams and Andre Roberson with the right pieces to make it happen. The fact Presti is meeting prospects expected to be lottery picks indicates he’s leaving no stone unturned. And, this should be something OKC Thunder fans should be happy about.