Recent Thunder signing should severely limit expectations for Sam Presti

After the OKC Thunder sustained a slew of frontcourt injuries during these early stages of the 2024-25 NBA season, GM Sam Presti finally took action to address their painfully depleted depth.

Though fans and pundits may have been hoping to see the legendary front office executive strike on a high-end talent on the trade market, as they simply have too many assets in their possession that they could ever possibly use, Saturday morning it was reported that Oklahoma City made a decision on who they'll be looking to for reinforcements.

No, it's not a household name.

Per the Thunder, they have come to terms on a deal with big man Branden Carlson, who entered the season as an undrafted free agent following a five-year stint at the University of Utah.

Far from the type of name many were rumbling about as possible targets, if nothing else this signing serves as a point-blank reminder that Presti and company are not the type of unit that's looking to make big-time, front page-worthy moves.

Thunder signing Branden Carlson par for the course for Sam Presti

Throughout his 17 years with the organization, Sam Presti has consistently shied away from striking on earth-shattering moves for big-name ballers.

Outside of the summer of 2017 when the Thunder traded for both Paul George and Carmelo Anthony in an attempt to formulate the league's newest superteam, perhaps the most notable trade made by the storied exec was last year's deadline deal that landed them former All-Star wing Gordon Hayward -- we all know the disaster that was, right?

Even when it comes to his free agency decisions, nothing has warranted any fireworks reaction, as their biggest exterior signing in franchise history came this past offseason when they inked Isaiah Hartenstein to a three-year, $87 million deal. While he's certainly viewed as a difference-maker for the Thunder, he's far from being known as anything close to a star player in the league.

With all this in mind, it should genuinely come as no surprise that, amid such turmoil when it relates to the lack of health at their center position, Presti would go after a low-level signing like Carlson.

Now, don't read what we're not saying -- Truth be told, there are many reasons to be intrigued by the 7-foot rookie.

He's fresh off a final season with the Utah Utes where he posted 17.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks on 50.1 percent shooting from the floor and 37.9 percent shooting from deep and has already impressed down in the G League with averages of 14.3 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks on 51.5 percent shooting and 42.9 percent shooting from deep with the Raptors 905.

However, be it deemed good or bad, the addition of Branden Carlson is a reminder to all of Thunder nation that expectations for Sam Presti to make a move for a top-flight talent, at least during the season, should be severely limited.