OKC Thunder GM Sam Presti main focus this offseason isn’t retaining a superstar but keeping track of the free agents still actively playing should be a top priority.
For the first time in four years, the OKC Thunder enter the offseason without their priority being to re-sign a superstar free agent. However, General Manager Sam Presti has numerous roster gaps to address. And, while adding a third superstar may seem out of the question this is a business where trades and moves can change the dynamic as quickly as you can snap your fingers. Therefore, like his peers, Presti should be avidly engaged in keeping tabs on star free agents still playing in the semi finals and taking notes.
As the eight remaining teams continue their postseason journey key free agents are under the microscope. Or rather, how their current teams are performing and off court news is affecting how they’ll address free agency this coming July. For the OKC Thunder, a luxury tax bill would seemingly keep them out of the mix as recruiters. But that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be invested in what other teams/players are doing. It’s not like Sam Presti hasn’t pulled rabbits from that magician hat in the past.
In terms of the teams still in the mix take a gander at the talent who’ll hit the moratorium this July. Notably, I’ve separated the key players who’ll garner the most attention versus middle to lower end free agents.
With that let’s look at each team and the associated dynamics Presti should be keying in on.