The Oklahoma City Thunder have built a roster capable of ushering in the return of the NBA dynasty. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the headlining act after winning MVP, Finals MVP, and the scoring title in 2024-25, but the Thunder boast an elite rotation that could create even more depth as soon as 2026.
With a surplus of draft picks and team-friendly contracts on the books, the Thunder could create the platform for generational dominance as soon as next summer—a credit to Sam Presti's genius.
Presti has long been regarded as one of the most brilliant executives in the vast world of sports. His team-building efforts have yielded remarkable results, due in no small part to the top-end talent he's scouted and developed. With a title now on his résumé, his legacy is secure—and he may very well enhance it in 2026.
As noted by Bobby Marks of ESPN, the Thunder could have four incoming first-round picks at the 2026 NBA Draft.
"But the defending champs could have the most first-round picks. The Thunder will receive a first from Houston (if 5-30), LA Clippers (unprotected), Philadelphia (if 4-30) and Utah (if 9-30)."
There have been no shortage of instances of the rich getting richer, but this is taking the shape of generational wealth in the form of first-round draft picks.
Sam Presti will soon reap benefits of surplus of first-round draft picks
The difference between Presti having a surplus of first-round draft picks and another lead executive possessing the same is a matter of history. Presti and the Thunder have set the standard for drafting over the past 18 years, as they've almost routinely unearthed superstars and high-level role players.
The list of stars includes the likes of Kevin Durant, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, and Jalen Williams—and that only scratches the surface of Presti's success.
Presti selected Serge Ibaka at No. 24 overall in the 2008 NBA Draft—20 spots after he drafted Westbrook. Three years later, he found Reggie Jackson at No. 24 overall. He went on to add now 11-year veteran Steven Adams and nine-year scoring guard Cameron Payne in two of the next four events.
As far as the current roster is concerned, Presti selected Chet Holmgren at No. 2, Williams at No. 12, and Aaron Wiggins at No. 55.
There have certainly been misses along the way, as Oklahoma City traded the draft rights to players such as Dereck Lively, Immanuel Quickley, and Alperen Sengun. The Lively trade brought in Cason Wallace, however, who played a crucial role during the Thunder's run to the 2025 championship.
With a strong track record of turning draft picks into invaluably talented players, Presti could realistically extend Oklahoma City's reign of brilliance as soon as next summer.
It's a captivating thought considering Alex Caruso is the Thunder's oldest rotational player—at 31. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Isaiah Hartenstein are 27, the trio of Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins are 26, Williams is 24, Holmgren is 23, and Wallace is 21.
With one of the youngest cores in the NBA and a first title already in the rearview, Presti's reloading efforts in 2026 could create a team capable of uniquely sustained dominance.