OKC Thunder big man Chet Holmgren isn't going anywhere this summer. Despite OKC receiving numerous calls regarding the forward's availability, general manager Sam Presti has slammed that door shut.
This headstrong approach, however well-intentioned, is in direct conflict with Presti's self-proclaimed philosophy on running the team, and it may be a crucial mistake given the sizzling market for stars this offseason.
Earlier this month, Presti spoke to reporters in his end-of-year press conference, and he inadvertently revealed part of what has made him one of the league's best GM's in recent memory. He explained how building a team is less about making predeterminations and more about focusing on increasing value little by little.
Listening to offers on Holmgren would seem to fit this category. With the current going rate for upper-echelon players, OKC could have an opportunity to dramatically enhance their franchise's position.
Thunder missing out on potential value by predetermining roster makeup
So far this summer, the NBA has seen Giannis Antetokounmpo, Julius Randle, LaMelo Ball, and Ja Morant get shipped to new locations, with stars like Jaylen Brown still on the trading block.
In short, the demand for star power is there, and the Thunder have all the leverage.
The advantage held by OKC is that they don't need to make a deal. Their roster is already one of the most loaded in the league, and Presti could only improve his team's standing if he were to pick up the phone.
After all, the worst he could say is "no."
With many teams being more in need of making significant moves, Presti has nothing to lose by merely listening to potential packages for the big man.
Though he struggled in the Western Conference Finals, it is still widely known that he is among the league's premier rim protectors. Plus, at age 24, any team willing to trade for him would be getting both a present and a future franchise cornerstone.
Thunder's hypocrisy could potentially pigeonholed them
Because the GM has been unwilling to field offers for his big man, OKC is now in a tough position. They are desperately trying to get under the second apron, and they have already shed depth to do so.
Lu Dort could be the next casualty, for, though the franchise opted into his final year under contract ahead of Monday's deadline, parting ways with his salary via trade would not only bring them to the brink of ducking under the second apron, but also could net them some valuable, future-focused assets in return.
With all of these moving pieces, Holmgren could represent the financial saving grace that Sam Presti so desperately needs. At the very worst, he doesn't hear an offer he likes, and the Thunder head into the 2026-27 season with their core roster intact.
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