Sam Presti believes reshaped Thunder can be even better

The Thunder traded away three important rotation players this offseason. Sam Presti still believes they have a chance to be better.

Oklahoma City’s longtime basketball operations chief said Thursday that last season’s team never completely reached its ceiling.

“I think the team last year had another level to it,” Presti said during his annual preseason news conference, via Baxter Holmes of ESPN. “This particular group of players, if we stay healthy, if it has time together, it has a chance to be as good if not better than any of the teams we’ve had.”

That is a notable statement considering the Thunder won the 2025 championship and have led the NBA in regular-season victories in each of the past two years.

Presti’s confidence starts with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren. Gilgeous-Alexander is a two-time reigning MVP, while Presti noted that Williams and Holmgren have not yet entered their primes.

Still, Oklahoma City will look different after trading Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins in separate cost-cutting moves. The Thunder received seven draft picks without taking back any salary.

Presti called losing the three veterans “certainly disappointing” and acknowledged that Oklahoma City must find a new formula.

“They were big influences on things,” he said. “We’re going to have to kind of learn a new way, which is healthy.”

Presti previously described the Dort trade as a financial decision. He said Thursday that the organization still expects those savings to be reinvested in the roster, although he stopped short of guaranteeing it.

Williams, meanwhile, appears healthy after wrist and hamstring injuries limited him to 33 regular-season games and five playoff appearances.

“He looks fantastic,” Presti said, via Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman. “He’s playing great. We’re looking forward to him being himself again.”

The Dort trade also creates a larger role for Cason Wallace, who is eligible for a rookie-scale extension through Oct. 19. Presti called moving Dort a “sign of respect” for Wallace and the organization’s belief in him.

Nikola Topic and Thomas Sorber will be limited participants when camp opens following lengthy injury layoffs. Presti also addressed the Thunder’s open 15th roster spot, the challenges created by the second tax apron and Russell Westbrook’s retirement during the 90-minute session.