Only way Sam Presti can maximize Thunder’s draft capital would be unpopular move

An unpopular decision could push Oklahoma City over the top.

Thunder general manager Sam Presti speaks during an introductory press conference for the 2024 Thunder draft picks at Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, June, 29, 2024.
Thunder general manager Sam Presti speaks during an introductory press conference for the 2024 Thunder draft picks at Oklahoma Contemporary Arts Center in Oklahoma City, Saturday, June, 29, 2024. | SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Oklahoma City Thunder are knocking on the door of greatness. It's a truth that's followed Sam Presti throughout his 18-year tenure with the franchise, as he's become the king of assembling a contender through the NBA Draft and financially responsible acquisitions.

As the Thunder march toward yet another season atop the regular season standings in the Western Conference, however, a familiar tune is likely to be sung—much to the fanbase's chagrin.

Oklahoma City is led by an MVP candidate in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Flanking him is a should-be All-Star in Jalen Williams, the latest in a recent run of unicorns in Chet Holmgren, one of the best rebounders in the NBA in Isaiah Hartenstein, and a deep cast of quality supporting players.

By most means and measures, the Thunder have built a deep and balanced roster that will enable Presti to make a run at the first championship of his otherwise stellar stint in Oklahoma City.

Fans have seen this story play out in the past, however, as the Thunder have made a home in the tier of the almost champions. It's no small feat to come close, but they haven't reached the NBA Finals since 2012 and last reached the Western Conference Finals in 2016.

With a surplus of draft assets and a roster that's balanced but not yet necessarily proven on the postseason stage, the result of the 2025 NBA Playoffs could necessitate flipping draft-night assets for immediate value.

Thunder have every necessary asset to trade for another star

The obvious argument to the contrary is that Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, and Williams have the potential to dominate the NBA for years to come. They balance one another's strengths and weaknesses in an all-but-perfect manner, with Hartenstein thriving in the areas Holmgren doesn't yet occupy.

Presti also made magic with Hartenstein's contract, as his 2026-27 club option aligns perfectly with when Holmgren and Williams will be eligible for their all-but-inevitable max-level deals to begin.

Throw in the presence of elite defenders such as Alex Caruso and Luguenz Dort, and Oklahoma City seemingly has everything it needs—and then some. Cason Wallace has exceptional upside, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins can shoot the lights out, and Ajay Mitchell has the potential to be yet another Presti draft-night steal.

With three protected incoming first-round draft picks in 2025 and an abundance of future selections, however, one can't help but feel as though the playoffs will decide how viable the current formula is.

If the Thunder win a championship, all will remain quiet on the trade front. They'll have proven that their current formula for success, which general managers should study for decades to come, was exactly what they needed to take that final step toward title-winning status.

If the Thunder fail to at least make a deep run in the postseason, however, it would be fair to question how much longer Presti can remain patient.

Yes, Gilgeous-Alexander is 26, Williams is 23, and Holmgren is 22. As such, they hypothetically have all the time in the world to leap over whatever hurdles are put in their path. The Thunder have played this dangerous game before, however, and they can't afford to assume what the future will hold.

All three should remain untouchable in any potential negotiations, but if the Thunder fail to make a deep run in 2025, the time will have arrived for draft capital to be flipped for a star-caliber player.

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