Top 5 Thunder Trades Engineered by Sam Presti

Essentially, that 2008 FRP later became Serge Ibaka, who was arguably the best defensive player in Thunder history. This would also mean that the Presti technically traded Lewis for Ibaka — just a year apart. Eventually, Ibaka would be traded later on.

4. Victor Oladipo and Domantas Sabonis for Paul George

It may seem that OKC threw impressive young talents off the bus with this move. Victor Oladipo, at the time, wasn’t performing well, and Domantas Sabonis would never unlock his game if it wasn’t for this trade. This also looked like a big gamble for a Thunder trade, considering that Paul George came off a season-ending injury at the time. However, it would prove to be fruitful for OKC as it showed Presti’s trust in a player who is keen to bounce back.

In fact, George would go on to average 25.0 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 156 games with OKC. He was even a promising MVP candidate at his time. That was impressive considering that the broken leg he suffered back then would have held him back. Some critics even say that his time with the Thunder was the peak of his career, becoming a bona fide All-Star in the NBA.

3. Alex Caruso for Josh Giddey

This Thunder trade is a no-brainer. At the time, Josh Giddey was proving to be a liability for OKC as he struggled to play off the ball. He adjusted his role with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander rising to prominence, and Jalen Williams showing extreme potential. With Giddey being a ball-dominant player, this was a trade that was coming in sooner or later, and Presti just needed to find the right deal.

Insert Alex Caruso, who was already an NBA champion at the time, and is now one of the respected defenders in the league with the Chicago Bulls. Caruso was shooting 40.8% from three that time, and the Thunder needed the 3-and-D archetype to boost their wing rotation. Indeed, this Thunder trade would end up being one of the wins by Sam Presti. Caruso became a pivotal piece for Oklahoma City to win its first championship, proving his worth once more.

2. Russell Westbrook for Chris Paul + Picks

The Thunder already knew at this time that they would need to come up with a change and finally rebuild once more. So they traded away franchise player Russell Westbrook for Chris Paul, along with two FRPs and two pick swaps. Presti made the move at the perfect time to end the previous Thunder era. Things did not actually go to plan as Paul masterfully led the new-look Oklahoma City squad to the fifth seed.

Sure, Westbrook was gone from Houston after a season, while Paul later joined the Phoenix Suns. But the biggest positive for this was SGA, who learned a lot from Paul’s mentorship. That led him to become the leader and star player he is today for OKC.

1. Paul George for SGA, Danilo Gallinari + Picks

You would not have expected any trade to trump this one. Sam Presti’s fleecing genius was on full display. Of course, this was essentially another gamble as Oklahoma City sent away George to the Los Angeles Clippers, but landed SGA, Danilo Gallinari, five FRPs, and two pick swaps. It may not mean much as the Clippers became a contender for a brief period of time, but now it is paying off.

For starters, one of these Clipper picks became J-Dub, who is now a star. One can also consider the fact that LA is in danger of losing yet another pick to Oklahoma City, given their struggles right now. By his standards, this is a promising Thunder trade fulfilled by Presti once more. It could even go down as the greatest trade in OKC history.

Is Sam Presti the Best Executive Ever?

Before we tip our hats off to Presti, it’s worth noting that OKC failed to win a chip back when they had Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Westbrook together. They tried to replicate another big three with Carmelo Anthony, George, and Westbrook, but to no avail as well. It can also be remembered that Presti let Durant walk away for nothing, while Harden was traded to subpar pieces and picks.

However, the fact is that Sam Presti knows how to invest and learn from his mistakes. That Rashard Lewis trade became pivotal in bringing changes to this Thunder team decades apart. He also learned not to let stars walk away without getting any benefit. Now he’s reaping the benefits of his genius and success with the Thunder.