How Sam Presti Masterminded the Oklahoma City Thunder's Rise to the NBA Finals

Oklahoma City Thunder's Rise to the NBA Finals: A Testament to Sam Presti's Vision Oklahoma City, OK - The Oklahoma City Thunder's unexpected run to the NBA Finals is a remarkable story of strategic planning and astute player development. General Manager Sam Presti's bold moves have transformed the Thunder from a rebuilding team into a championship contender. One of Presti's most pivotal decisions was trading Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2019. This trade brought Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to Oklahoma City, a player who has since developed into an MVP-caliber talent. "The trade for Shai was a turning point," says a Thunder insider who wished to remain anonymous. "It gave us the cornerstone of our future." Presti's strategy wasn't just about acquiring star players; it was about accumulating draft picks. These picks allowed the Thunder to draft promising young players and further build their team's depth. The addition of Chet Holmgren in the 2022 draft is a prime example of this long-term vision. Another key trade involved sending Russell Westbrook to the Houston Rockets for Chris Paul and a plethora of draft picks. This move, while controversial at the time, ultimately contributed to the Thunder's current success. The team's success is a testament to Presti's patience and his ability to make difficult decisions for the long-term benefit of the franchise. The Thunder's journey to the Finals is a compelling narrative of strategic trades, smart drafting, and player development. It's a story that highlights the importance of long-term planning and the potential for rebuilding a team into a championship contender.