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Sam Presti
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Samuel Clay Prestigiacomo (born November 1976[1]) is an American basketball executive who is currently the executive vice president and general manager for the Oklahoma City Thunder of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He has held the position since 2007 when he was hired at 30 years old, making Presti the second-youngest person to ever hold the position in the NBA. As of 2025, Presti is the third-longest tenured head of basketball operations in the league. Under his leadership, the Thunder won their first NBA championship in 2025, marking a historic milestone for the franchise.

Key Information

Executive career

[edit]

San Antonio Spurs (2000–2007)

[edit]
Presti was heavily credited for the Spurs drafting of Tony Parker.

After graduating from Emerson College, Presti was working at a basketball camp before being offered an internship by San Antonio Spurs general manager R.C. Buford. Buford was refereeing a game as Presti delivered a sales pitch while running along the court with Buford.[2] Starting off as a video coordinator for Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, Presti rose through the front office ranks becoming assistant director of scouting in 2002 and later moved to director of player personnel in 2003. He was finally elevated to the position of Vice President and Assistant General Manager in 2005.[3] Prior to the 2001 NBA draft, Presti was instrumental for encouraging the Spurs to draft Tony Parker. Presti would show up at Buford's home with footage of Parker during his tenure with Paris Basket Racing.[4] Parker went on to play 18 seasons in the NBA, making six All-Star teams, and winning four NBA championships. During Parker's jersey retirement, he acknowledged Presti's recommendation for the Spurs to draft him.

“Sam, I know you’re in the arena,” Parker said Monday, illuminated by a spotlight in the middle of the court. “Man, you and R.C. (Buford, former Spurs general manager and current CEO), you were ahead of your time. You took a gamble on me, because I was terrible in my first workout with the Spurs. Man, I was terrible."[5]

— Tony Parker

As a member of the Spurs, Presti was part of the 2003, 2005, and 2007 Spurs championship teams, including five division titles.

Seattle SuperSonics / Oklahoma City Thunder (2007–present)

[edit]

On June 7, 2007, the Seattle SuperSonics named Presti as the newest general manager after former general manager Rick Sund was demoted to a consultant.[6] Sonics owner Clay Bennett viewed Presti as "thoughtful, methodical, and measured" who had "an important role within [the Spurs] and contributed to their winning and how they do business."[7] While Sonics president Lenny Wilkens interviewed others, Bennett, who had been a partner in the Spurs organization, interviewed and was impressed by Presti enough to demote Wilkens to "vice chairman" to give Presti full power.[8] With the hiring, Presti became the league's current youngest general manager, second in NBA history behind Jerry Colangelo.[9]

Entering the 2007 NBA draft, the Sonics were transitioning into a rebuilding phase following a 31–51 record in the 2006-07 season. On draft night, Presti completed his first trade by acquiring Jeff Green, the 5th overall pick in a blockbuster trade involving Sonics guard Ray Allen. Green joined Kevin Durant, the 2nd overall pick, in Seattle as Presti's first two draftees in his career.[10] Presti then signed-and-traded Sonics forward Rashard Lewis in exchange for a second-round pick and a trade exception worth $9 million. To fill in the trade exception, Presti acquired Kurt Thomas and two future first-round picks, one of the picks becoming future Thunder forward Serge Ibaka.[11] To finish his first offseason, Presti hired Spurs assistant coach P.J. Carlesimo who worked with Presti in San Antonio.[12] The Sonics finished the 2007-08 season with a 20–62 record, their worst record in franchise history. Presti's first draft pick, Durant, was named NBA Rookie of the Year at the end of the season.[13]

After the season, Presti made his final appearance as the Sonics in the 2008 NBA draft, drafting Russell Westbrook, the 4th overall pick, and Serge Ibaka, the 24th overall pick. Before the start of the 2008-09 season, Presti joined the franchise in their relocation to Oklahoma City in July 2008 becoming the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Rise to contention

[edit]

In Presti's first season in Oklahoma City, the Thunder fired P.J. Carlesimo following a 1–12 start and named Scott Brooks as interim coach.[14] Under Brooks, the Thunder finished the season 23–59 with Russell Westbrook being named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team.[15] Brooks was later permanently named as head coach for the Thunder. In the 2009 NBA draft, the Thunder made their first appearance since relocating and drafted James Harden, the 3rd overall pick.[16] Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and Harden will later go on to form a "Big 3" in Oklahoma City and was aided with the additions of Serge Ibaka and Thabo Sefolosha. After their inaugural season, the Thunder experienced one of the largest turnarounds improving to a 50–32 record and clinched their first playoff berth as the eighth seed. The Thunder became the youngest team in NBA history to qualify for the playoffs.[17] During the season, Kevin Durant was named an All-Star and became the youngest scoring leader at 21-years old.[18][19] At the end of the season, Durant was named to the All-NBA First Team, head coach Scott Brooks was named NBA Coach of the Year, James Harden was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, and Thabo Sefolosha was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team.[20][21][22]

Presti drafted Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, and Serge Ibaka from 2007-2009

In their third season in Oklahoma City, the Thunder finished 55–27 with Russell Westbrook being named to his first All-Star game.[23] Building off last season, the Thunder reached the Western Conference finals as the 4th seed and became the second-youngest team to do so. However, the Thunder lost to the eventual champions Dallas Mavericks in five games. After the 2011 NBA lockout, the Thunder continued their recent success and clinched the second seed with a 47–19 record. Prior to the playoffs, James Harden was named NBA Sixth Man of the Year, Kevin Durant won his third consecutive scoring title and named to his third All-NBA First Team, Russell Westbrook was named to his second All-NBA Second Team and Serge Ibaka was named to his first All-Defensive First Team.[24][25] In the playoffs, the Thunder swept the defending champions Dallas Mavericks, defeated the Los Angeles Lakers in five games, and came back down two games to defeat the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference finals to advance to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1996 when the franchise was in Seattle. Against the Miami Heat, the Thunder won Game 1 but lost the next four and the series in five games.

Durant and Westbrook era

[edit]

A year away from restricted free agency following the 2012-13 season, Presti and James Harden were unable to work out a contract extension prior to the start of the season. Presti offered a four-year, $55 million extension which was $4.5 million less than the max contract that Harden coveted.[26] Due to the NBA's luxury tax, the Thunder were unwilling to offer a max extension to Harden in order to avoid paying hefty taxes.[27] After 2012 preseason, the Thunder traded Harden to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Kevin Martin, Jeremy Lamb, a 2013 first-round pick, a 2013 second-round pick, and a 2014 first-round pick.[28] Presti and the Thunder management faced heavy criticism throughout Harden's tenure in Houston for the trade and for breaking up the team's "Big 3." Harden would later go on to win an MVP with the Rockets in 2018. Despite the trade, the Thunder finished the season with a 60–22 record, finishing first in the Western Conference and second overall in the league. Against Harden and the Rockets in the playoffs, Russell Westbrook collided with Patrick Beverley and suffered a season-ending injury. The Thunder eventually fell to the Memphis Grizzlies in the second round, falling short of their finals appearance from last season. In the 2013-14 season, the Thunder finished with a 59–23 record as Kevin Durant was named NBA Most Valuable Player however the Thunder lost in the conference finals in a rematch with the San Antonio Spurs. After an injury-riddled 2014-15 season, Presti fired head coach Scott Brooks after seven season with the team which highlighted a finals appearance, three conference finals appearance and an NBA Coach of the Year award.[29] To replace Brooks, Presti hired Billy Donovan for the 2015-16 season.[30] The Thunder clinched the third seed with a 55–27 record, returning to the playoffs after missing it last season. In the playoffs, the Thunder defeated the Dallas Mavericks in five games and defeated the 67-win San Antonio Spurs in six games. Making their fourth conference finals appearance in six years, the Thunder led the defending champions Golden State Warriors who went 73–9 in the regular season with a 3–1 series lead. The Thunder would later go on to lose the next three games and lose the series in seven. After the season, Serge Ibaka was traded and Kevin Durant controversially left the Thunder after spending nine seasons with the organization, one year in Seattle.[31][32]

Kevin made an indelible mark on the Thunder organization and the state of Oklahoma as a founding father of this franchise. We can't adequately articulate what he meant to the foundation of this franchise and our success. While clearly disappointing that he has chosen to move on, the core values that he helped establish only lead to us thanking him for the many tangible and intangible ways that he helped our program.[33]

— Sam Presti

End of first Thunder iteration

[edit]

With Durant's departure, Presti and Russell Westbrook agreed to a renegotiation-and-extension of his contract worth $85.7 million after speculations whether Westbrook would be traded.[34] In absence of Durant, Westbrook broke Oscar Robertson's most triple-doubles in a season with 42 and was named NBA Most Valuable Player after the Thunder's first round loss.[35] To improve Westbrook's supporting cast, the Thunder traded for All-Star Paul George and Carmelo Anthony.[36][37] George was traded by the Indiana Pacers following rumors of wanting to leave next season in free agency for the Los Angeles Lakers. However, Presti decided to gamble and traded for him to entice him to re-sign long term. George would later re-sign with the Thunder next offseason.[38]

Presti's acquisition of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams marks the second iteration of the Thunder since relocating.

Young core rebuild

[edit]

After three disappointing seasons after Durant's departure, Presti traded Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, a 2021 first-round pick via MIA, a 2022 first-round pick via LAC, a 2023 first-round pick via MIA, rights to swap 2023 first-round picks with LAC, a 2024 first-round pick via LAC, rights to swap 2025 first-round picks with LAC and a 2026 first-round pick via LAC.[39] Following George's trade, Presti then traded Russell Westbrook to the Houston Rockets in exchange for Chris Paul, rights to swap 2021 first-round picks, a 2024 first-round pick, rights to swap 2025 first-round picks and a 2026 first-round pick.[40] This trade reunited Westbrook with former teammate James Harden in Houston. With the trade of Westbrook, the Thunder effectively "ended" their first iteration of the team in Oklahoma City since moving from Seattle. After an unexpected 2019-20 season, Presti began a rebuilding process with the Thunder, trading away key veterans in Chris Paul, who made an All-Star game and an All-NBA selection, Steven Adams, Danilo Gallinari, and Dennis Schröder. Before the start of the 2020-21 season, Presti and head coach Billy Donovan mutually agreed to part ways after five seasons as the team transitioned into a rebuilding phase.[41] Mark Daigneault was later named as the team's new head coach, marking the fourth coach in Thunder history.[42]

Building around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder had their own lottery pick, the first since 2014, and selected Josh Giddey, the 6th overall pick, in the 2021 NBA draft. Throughout the 2020 and 2022 seasons, Presti gained a reputation for acquiring numerous draft picks adding up to 38 future picks, 19 in the first round and 19 in the second round.[43] In the 2022 NBA draft, Presti drafted Chet Holmgren, the 2nd overall pick, and Jalen Williams, the 12th overall pick. During the 2022-23 season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander emerged as a star, being named to his first All-Star game, an All-NBA First Team nomination, and led the Thunder to a 40–42 record.[44] After narrowly missing the playoffs, the Thunder entered the draft lottery for the third consecutive year. In the 2023 NBA draft, Presti acquired the draft rights to Cason Wallace, the 10th overall pick in a trade with the Dallas Mavericks.[45] On June 21, 2024, Presti traded Giddey to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for guard Alex Caruso. The following season the Thunder won the 2025 NBA Finals marking Presti’s first championship as a GM.

Personal life

[edit]

Presti and his wife, Shannon, have a son and twin daughters. His wife currently serves as the Teen Leadership Initiatives Coordinator for the YMCA of Greater Oklahoma City.[46]

Before joining the San Antonio Spurs, Presti played basketball for Emerson College and Virginia Wesleyan University. After two seasons at Virginia Wesleyan, Presti transferred to Emerson, attributing his passion for music as his reason. At Emerson, Presti graduated with a bachelor's degree in communications, politics, and law.[47]

In 1998, while at Emerson College, Presti released a jazz-rap album titled “Milk Money” through the label Relativity Records. Mike Tucker (saxophone) and Matthew Morin (piano) played instruments on the album. The following year, Presti released a second album titled “All Things Considered”. In 2025 “Milk Money” leaked online, but was removed shortly after.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Sam Presti

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Samuel Presti (born November 1, 1977) is an American basketball executive who has served as the executive vice president and of the of the (NBA) since June 2007, making him the longest-tenured active in the league. Under his leadership, the Thunder franchise—relocated from in 2008—has achieved seven Northwest Division titles, four Western Conference Finals appearances, and an NBA championship in the 2024–25 season, during which the team posted a franchise-record 68–14 regular-season mark, the fifth-most wins in NBA history. Presti's tenure is marked by exceptional draft acumen and asset management, including selecting (2007, No. 2 overall), (2008, No. 4), and (2009, No. 3), as well as acquiring via trade in 2019, all of whom earned All-NBA honors. He was named the 2024–25 NBA Executive of the Year, recognizing his role in constructing one of the league's youngest and most dominant rosters without exceeding the . Born in , as the only child of divorced parents, Presti developed a passion for during his high school years at Concord-Carlisle Regional High School, where he earned the nickname "" for his playing style reminiscent of the NBA guard. He began his college career at , playing for two years before transferring to in , where he served as team captain in his junior and senior seasons and earned a in communications in 2000, emphasizing teamwork and defensive principles under coach Hank Smith. Presti's professional journey started as a video intern with the San Antonio Spurs in 2000, earning $250 per month through a connection from a teammate's father; his relentless work ethic quickly impressed head coach Gregg Popovich and general manager R.C. Buford, leading to rapid promotions. By 2003, he had risen to director of player personnel and later vice president and assistant general manager, contributing to three NBA championships in 2003, 2005, and 2007, including influencing the 2001 draft selection of Tony Parker. At age 29, Presti became the youngest general manager in NBA history when hired by the Seattle SuperSonics in 2007, a position he has held through the franchise's relocation to Oklahoma City. Presti's strategic vision has transformed the Thunder into a model of sustained excellence in a small market, with notable trades such as acquiring in 2017 (later flipped for Gilgeous-Alexander and draft picks) and in 2024, alongside discovering undrafted gems like Lu Dort, widely regarded as one of the league's top defenders. His approach emphasizes flexibility, player development, and long-term asset accumulation, resulting in the Thunder ranking first among post-1976 expansion or relocated franchises in total wins, winning percentage, and playoff series victories. Presti also hired head coach in 2020, fostering a culture of innovation that propelled the team to its 2025 title.

Early life and education

Upbringing in Massachusetts

Samuel Presti was born on November 1, 1977, in , as an only child to parents who divorced during his teenage years. Growing up in the historic town known for its literary and revolutionary heritage, Presti's early years were shaped by a close-knit community that emphasized and collective effort, with his father working as a and his mother as a teacher. Presti attended , graduating in the class of 1995, where he played on the varsity team and served as captain under coach John McNamara. His high school experiences included contributing to intense rivalries, notably a dramatic over Acton-Boxborough on January 13, 1995, in a home game that highlighted the competitive spirit of local Dual County League matchups. Through youth leagues and local teams in Concord, Presti gained his initial exposure to the sport, earning the nickname "" for his energetic play and focusing on defensive fundamentals like drawing charges and pursuing loose balls. These formative years instilled key lessons in unselfishness, hard work, and perseverance, derived from high school sports and broader community involvement. Presti, a self-described "C" student, formed meaningful connections with a diverse group of peers, including students from the METCO program bused in from , during supervised study sessions overseen by teacher Harriett Stevens, who encouraged his potential despite academic challenges. Local influences in Concord, including early participation in under coach Ken Anderson, reinforced values of teamwork and resilience that became foundational to Presti's approach to and life.

College and early pursuits

Presti began his college career at in 1995, where he spent two years as a 6'1" guard on the Division III men's team, listed as number 10 on the 1995–96 roster and appearing in games during his and seasons. During practices at , he started honing his scouting skills by closely observing his teammates' tendencies and performances, an early indicator of his analytical approach to the game. In 1997, Presti transferred to Emerson College in Boston to be closer to home, continuing his basketball involvement while pursuing academics. He graduated in 2000 with a in communications, with concentrations in politics and law, and was honored as the first Rhodes Scholar nominee in the school's history. As a letterman and co-captain during his final two seasons (1998–2000) on the Emerson Lions team, Presti emphasized leadership on the court through defensive strategies like charge-taking and team coordination. Beyond athletics, Presti explored his creative interests at Emerson, self-producing and releasing a jazz-rap album titled Milk Money in 1998 under Relativity Records, featuring eight tracks with jazz samples, , and contributions from classmates. This project reflected his use of music, including , as an outlet for stress relief amid his demanding schedule of classes and .

Executive career

San Antonio Spurs (2000–2007)

After graduating from , Sam Presti joined the in 2000 as a video intern in the basketball operations department, working directly under Gregg . This entry-level role marked his rapid ascent in professional , as he collaborated closely with R.C. and Popovich, immersing himself in the organization's championship culture and scouting processes. Over the next few years, Presti progressed quickly through the front office ranks, serving as basketball operations assistant from 2001 to 2002, assistant director of scouting from 2002 to 2003, director of player personnel from 2003 to 2005, and assistant from 2005 to 2007. In his positions, Presti focused on evaluating both international and domestic talent, contributing detailed reports that informed the Spurs' draft and personnel decisions. A standout example was his pivotal involvement in the , where, as a young scout, he aggressively pursued and compiled VHS tapes of French prospect , presenting them to Buford at his home to advocate for the selection; the Spurs ultimately drafted Parker 28th overall, where he became a cornerstone alongside . Presti also provided insights on established stars like Duncan, emphasizing their fit within the team's schemes, and helped assess domestic prospects to maintain roster depth. His work extended to international scouting trips, aligning with the Spurs' pioneering emphasis on global talent acquisition under Buford and Popovich. Presti's contributions were integral to the Spurs' success during this era, including their NBA championships in 2003, 2005, and 2007, as well as consistent deep playoff runs and five division titles; the team won at least 57 games each season he was there, achieving a 71.9% win percentage overall. He supported Popovich's defensive-oriented system by delivering reports that highlighted players' defensive capabilities and team integration, helping sustain the franchise's elite performance. Influenced by the Spurs' methodical, system-driven approach, Presti honed techniques that prioritized thorough evaluation and cultural fit, laying the groundwork for his later executive roles. This foundational experience in San Antonio's established operation propelled his trajectory toward independent general management.

Early Oklahoma City Thunder years (2007–2012)

In June 2007, at the age of 29, Sam Presti was hired as the general manager of the Seattle SuperSonics, becoming the youngest person to hold the position in NBA history and the second-youngest ever after Jerry Colangelo. His appointment came shortly after the franchise's 31-51 season, and he was tasked with overhauling basketball operations amid ownership uncertainty. Presti's experience in scouting and front-office roles with the San Antonio Spurs had equipped him for independent decision-making in player evaluation and roster construction. As the relocation to Oklahoma City loomed, Presti played a key role in managing the transition, overseeing the team's rebranding as the Thunder in 2008 while maintaining focus on long-term competitiveness despite the franchise's instability. Presti's early drafts laid the foundation for a contending roster centered on versatile, high-upside talent. In the , he selected forward with the second overall pick, prioritizing Durant's scoring versatility and length as a foundational wing player. Later that night, Presti traded veteran guard to the , acquiring the fifth pick to select forward Jeff Green, who complemented Durant's skill set with his two-way potential before being traded in 2011. This approach emphasized athletic wings capable of spacing the floor and defending multiple positions. The following year, in 2008, Presti targeted backcourt intensity by drafting guard fourth overall, valuing his explosive defense and transition play, while selecting forward 24th overall for his international background from the and raw shot-blocking upside. The completed the core with guard selected third overall, adding scoring depth off the bench and forming the "Big Three" of Durant, Westbrook, and Harden alongside Ibaka's emergence. This youth-driven group propelled the Thunder to rapid success, achieving 50 wins in the 2009-10 season—their first winning record since relocation—and 55 wins in 2010-11, securing the Western Conference's top seed. In the lockout-shortened 2011-12 season, they posted a 47-19 mark, advancing through the playoffs to the , where they fell to the in five games. Presti implemented a forward-thinking, youth-focused strategy that integrated early adoption of basketball for player evaluation and game planning, hiring the league's first dedicated director in to inform decisions on rotations and development. Complementing this, the Thunder established a G League affiliation with the Tulsa 66ers in the 2008-09 season, using it as a pipeline for skill refinement and injury rehabilitation, which accelerated the growth of their young core through targeted practice and coaching. This emphasis on over short-term fixes transformed a relocated franchise into a perennial contender within five years.

Mid-era transitions and rebuild (2012–2019)

Following the departure of , the faced immediate challenges in maintaining team cohesion, as the trade disrupted the chemistry of their young core despite yielding valuable draft assets. On October 27, 2012, general manager Sam Presti traded Harden to the in exchange for guard Kevin Martin, forward , and two protected first-round picks (in 2013 and 2014). The move was driven by constraints, as the Thunder could not match Houston's five-year, $80 million maximum extension offer to Harden, instead proposing a four-year, $55.5 million deal that fell short. Presti later described the decision as necessary to avoid a lame-duck contract situation, emphasizing long-term roster sustainability over short-term contention. The 2013–14 season marked a brief resurgence, with the Thunder advancing to the Western Conference Finals before falling 4–2 to the . Led by and a resilient , the team finished the regular season with a 59–23 record, securing the No. 2 seed in the West. However, Westbrook's ongoing recovery from a torn meniscus in his right knee—surgically repaired in April 2013—limited his explosiveness, and he appeared in 67 games amid minor setbacks. Durant, meanwhile, dominated en route to his first NBA Most Valuable Player Award, averaging 32.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game while earning unanimous first-team All-NBA honors. Subsequent seasons brought mounting injuries and roster instability, culminating in Durant's free agency departure to the in July 2016. Presti had anticipated the exit, stating the Thunder had a "pretty good indication" Durant would leave after a heartbreaking Game 7 loss in the 2016 Western Conference Finals. To pivot toward asset accumulation, Presti orchestrated trades to stockpile draft capital, including a December 2015 deal sending to the for , , and a 2019 first-round pick—moves designed to enhance cap space and future flexibility while addressing immediate depth needs. In June 2018, the Thunder acquired Danilo Gallinari from the Clippers for a protected 2019 first-round pick. By 2019, Presti accelerated the rebuild through a series of high-profile trades that amassed an unprecedented collection of draft assets. On July 6, 2019, Presti traded Paul George and Gallinari to the Clippers for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, four first-round picks (the Clippers' unprotected 2022, 2024, and 2026 first-round picks and their 2023 first-round pick, top-4 protected), and two pick swaps (for the 2021 and 2025 drafts). Just days later, on July 11, Westbrook was sent to the Houston Rockets for Chris Paul, further clearing cap space and adding a veteran facilitator. These transactions, dubbed the "asset haul" by analysts, positioned Oklahoma City with 17 first-round picks over seven years, prioritizing long-term contention over immediate wins. Throughout this transitional period, Presti emphasized cap flexibility to avoid the burdens that had constrained earlier decisions, maintaining below-the-cap status post-2019 to facilitate future signings. He also intensified international efforts, leveraging the Thunder's global partnerships to evaluate prospects like those from , which informed draft strategies amid the asset buildup. Additionally, Presti invested in player development through the G League's affiliate, established in 2016, to nurture young talent such as Lamb and later acquisitions, fostering a pipeline for the rebuild. The 2018–19 season ended with a 49–33 record and a first-round playoff exit, signaling the end of the star-driven era as Presti shifted focus to sustainable growth.

Young core era and championship (2019–present)

Following the deliberate rebuild of the prior years, the 2019–2020 season marked a transitional tanking effort for the under Sam Presti's direction, as the team finished with a 44–28 record in the shortened regular season and the NBA bubble, securing the fifth seed in the Western Conference. Despite advancing to the , they were eliminated in the first round by the in seven games, after which Presti traded up to the 17th overall pick on draft night with the , selecting forward Aleksej Pokusevski. This period also saw Presti aggressively accumulate draft capital through trades, amassing over 15 first-round picks by 2022, including assets from deals involving veterans like and , which provided flexibility for future roster construction. Presti's drafting strategy emphasized versatile, high-basketball-IQ players to form a cohesive young core, building on the 2019 acquisition of guard from the in the Paul George trade, who emerged as a foundational star with All-Star caliber play by 2019–2020. In the , Presti selected Australian guard at No. 6, valued for his playmaking vision and size. The 2022 draft proved pivotal, with the Thunder using the No. 2 pick on center , a mobile rim protector with shooting range, and No. 12 on forward , a multi-positional scorer with defensive acumen, both of whom quickly integrated into the rotation upon Holmgren's return from injury in 2023. These selections exemplified Presti's focus on athletic, adaptable talents capable of scaling with contention. The young core's rapid ascent was evident in the 2023–2024 season, where the Thunder achieved a franchise-best 57–25 record, earning the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference behind Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP-level performance and contributions from Holmgren and Williams. In the playoffs, they swept the New Orleans Pelicans 4–0 in the first round—the youngest team ever to win a series—but fell to the Dallas Mavericks 4–2 in the Western Conference Semifinals, highlighting areas for playoff experience and depth. Presti addressed these in the ensuing offseason through targeted moves, including signing center Isaiah Hartenstein for frontcourt reinforcement and trading Josh Giddey to the Chicago Bulls for guard Alex Caruso to enhance bench production and perimeter defense. The 2024–2025 season represented the culmination of Presti's vision, as the Thunder posted a record-setting 68–14 regular-season mark, the highest win total in franchise history and tied for the sixth-most in NBA annals, clinching the Western Conference's top seed once again. Led by Gilgeous-Alexander's Finals MVP performance (30.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.6 assists per game), the team navigated the with dominant series wins, including a 4–3 victory over the in the first round and a 4–1 triumph against the in the Conference Finals, before defeating the in a thrilling seven-game , securing the franchise's first championship in . This title, the Thunder's first since relocating from , underscored Presti's 18th season as executive, establishing him as one of the league's longest-tenured general managers. In the 2025 offseason, Presti prioritized continuity for repeat contention, extending max contracts to Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams, and Holmgren—totaling over $800 million in commitments through 2030–2031—while implementing minor roster tweaks, such as declining options on non-core players and adding depth via undrafted free agents and trades for cost-controlled veterans. These decisions reflected Presti's overarching philosophy of sustainable building, blending elite talent retention with fiscal prudence to navigate the NBA's constraints and foster long-term dynasty potential.

Personal life

Family

Sam Presti is married to Shannon O'Connor, a former manager for the men's team. The couple wed in a private ceremony on August 18, 2012. Shannon has provided unwavering support for Presti's career in the NBA, including the family's relocation to in 2008 after the franchise moved and rebranded as the Thunder. The Presti family has since established strong roots in the community, with Shannon serving as the director of teen leadership initiatives for the of Greater . Presti and Shannon are parents to three children—a son named Nicholas, born in 2015, and twin daughters Millie and Elise, born in 2018—though the family maintains a low public profile regarding personal details. In navigating the high-pressure demands of his role as executive vice president and , Presti emphasizes prioritizing family time, often crediting his wife and children for grounding him amid professional challenges. The family engages in local community events, fostering connections beyond . Despite their life in Oklahoma, the Prestis maintain ties to , making occasional visits to , to connect with family heritage.

Interests and recognition

Presti has maintained a deep interest in music throughout his professional life, extending from his college days when he produced and performed on the jazz-rap album Milk Money under Relativity Records. As a longtime enthusiast, he has also produced three CDs sold to benefit children's charities in , showcasing his commitment to blending artistic pursuits with . In addition to his production work, Presti enjoys drumming privately as a therapeutic outlet to escape the demands of his role as . He has described this hobby as a counterbalance to the constant strategic thinking required in NBA operations, allowing him to focus solely on rhythm and improvisation. Presti has been actively involved in philanthropic initiatives in , particularly those supporting youth development and community building. In 2018, he and his wife donated $140,000 to establish the Police Athletic League (PAL) program, which fosters positive relationships between youth and law enforcement through sports, including clinics. In June 2019, he and his wife donated $600,000 to Oklahoma Children's Hospital to enhance pediatric care services. His contributions to and the NBA have earned him notable recognition, including induction into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame as part of the 2025 class and induction on November 14, 2025, for his transformative impact on the state's sports landscape. Prior to the Thunder's 2025 NBA Championship victory, Presti was named the 2024-25 NBA Basketball Executive of the Year, an honor voted on by his peers for assembling a dominant roster. Presti retains strong nostalgic connections to his Massachusetts roots, often reflecting on the formative influences of his upbringing in Concord. He has supported education in the region by endowing the Anthony Halls-Keenan Smith Scholarship Fund at since 2011, which aids METCO program students pursuing higher education. This initiative honors two childhood friends and underscores his appreciation for diverse community experiences that shaped his worldview.

References

  1. https://www.nba.com/thunder/frontoffice
  2. https://www.basketball-reference.com/executives/prestsa99x.html
  3. https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2025/6/9/24445918/sam-presti-best-gm-in-sports-oklahoma-city-thunder-team-building
  4. https://www.nba.com/thunder/news/release-presti-250506
  5. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45025579/okc-sam-presti-picked-nba-executive-year
  6. https://www.nba.com/news/sam-presti-10-things-know
  7. https://vault.si.com/vault/2017/04/17/bricktown-bricolage
  8. https://www.thescholarshipfundofcc.org/sam-presti
  9. https://www.facebook.com/TheConcordBridge/posts/thanksgiving-came-early-to-concord-carlisle-high-school-where-class-government-m/546395354821247/
  10. https://www.bostonsportsjournal.com/2018/07/30/new-england-roots-sam-presti-life-concord-beating-b-little-league-lessons-spike-owen-phase
  11. https://concordbridge.org/index.php/2025/07/11/hoop-dreams-sam-prestis-ride-from-cchs-to-nba-crown/
  12. https://vwuathletics.com/sports/mens-basketball/roster/1995-96
  13. https://today.emerson.edu/2012/06/14/alumnus-takes-nba-team-to-finals/
  14. https://www.oklahomahof.com/hof/inductees/sam-presti
  15. https://offthedribble.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/06/22/emerson-college-makes-splash-in-n-b-a/
  16. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/nba/thunder/2025/06/14/sam-presti-milk-money-okc-thunder-gm-album-jazz-rap-music-pablo-torre-finds-out-podcast/84191811007/
  17. https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-active-basketball-news-is-oklahoma-city-thunder-gm-sam-presti-secretly-a-rapper-past-history-album-and-more-revealed/
  18. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/nba/thunder/2012/05/26/thunder-spurs-okc-general-manager-sam-presti-got-his-start-in-san-antonio/61070494007/
  19. https://basketball.realgm.com/staff/Sam-Presti/Summary/1243
  20. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/playoffs/2013/06/04/tony-parker-san-antonio-spurs-nba-finals/2385817/
  21. https://www.nba.com/news/tony-parker-hall-of-fame-profile-2023
  22. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/nba/thunder/2024/04/21/who-is-sam-presti-five-things-to-know-about-okc-thunder-general-manager/73396313007/
  23. https://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/sam-presti-hired-as-supersonics-gm-1.671246
  24. https://www.deseret.com/2007/6/7/20023256/presti-hired-as-new-sonics-gm/
  25. https://www.sportingnews.com/ca/nba/oklahoma-city-thunder/news/thunder-leave-seattle-sonics-relocation-oklahoma-city/df0d17b1a991491e31307035
  26. https://www.si.com/nba/thunder/news/thunder-draft-rewind-sam-presti-hits-a-home-run-in-2008
  27. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6397881/2025/06/03/steve-kerr-sam-presti-thunder-trade/
  28. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/sports/nba/thunder/2013/06/26/nba-draft-evaluating-sam-prestis-draft-night-trades/60905043007/
  29. https://www.si.com/nba/thunder/news/thunder-draft-rewind-oklahoma-city-completes-their-big-3-in-2009
  30. https://www.nba.com/thunder/news/draft_release_090625.html
  31. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/OKC/2012.html
  32. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/12338383/nba-analytics-man-ben-alamar
  33. https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2012/5/23/3037578/oklahoma-city-thunder-sam-presti-nba-draft-durant-westbrook-harden
  34. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/8562868/oklahoma-city-thunder-trade-james-harden-houston-rockets
  35. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2012/10/28/james-harden-thunder-rockets-small-market-analysis/1663263/
  36. https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/keeping-harden-was-the-plan-but-sam-presti-and-the-thunder-had-plan-b/
  37. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/OKC/2014.html
  38. https://www.si.com/nba/2013/10/01/russell-westbrook-knee-surgery-injury-update-oklahoma-city-thunder
  39. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/10890597/kevin-durant-oklahoma-city-thunder-wins-mvp-award-first
  40. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/16773615/oklahoma-city-thunder-gm-sam-presti-says-team-had-pretty-good-indication-kevin-durant-was-going-leave
  41. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2016/07/05/sam-presti-thunder-kevin-durant-warriors/86698372/
  42. https://www.nba.com/news/report-paul-george-trade-clippers
  43. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/27129474/sources-clippers-land-leonard-george
  44. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2844398-report-paul-george-traded-to-clippers-for-danilo-gallinari-5-1st-round-picks
  45. https://www.nba.com/thunder/news/draft2019-presti-190620
  46. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/OKC/2019.html
  47. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/OKC/2020.html
  48. https://www.nba.com/thunder/news/pokusevski-johnson-201120
  49. https://www.si.com/nba/2020/11/19/okc-thunder-17-first-round-picks-through-2026-breakdown
  50. https://thunderousintentions.com/okc-thunder-grading-every-draft-pick-made-since-2020
  51. https://www.dailythunder.com/thunder-acquire-4-new-players-in-2022-nba-draft/
  52. https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/shai-gilgeous-alexander-holmgren-jalen-williams-thunder-history/cbd64b5e207cf0d7a1dbf336
  53. https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/OKC/2025.html
  54. https://www.basketball-reference.com/playoffs/2025-nba-finals-pacers-vs-thunder.html
  55. https://okcthunderwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/thunder/2025/09/26/sam-presti-lists-6-ways-how-thunder-can-prepare-for-expensive-rosters/86372504007/
  56. https://www.si.com/nba/thunder/onsi/news/what-changes-will-okc-thunder-s-roster-undergo-in-the-next-year-01k6byj749dy
  57. https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/46389984/how-thunder-helped-heal-oklahoma-city-30-years-terror
  58. https://www.oklahoman.com/story/lifestyle/2013/04/30/oklahoma-citys-ymca-launches-youth-lead-diversity-program/60971924007/
  59. https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-active-basketball-news-playoffs-who-is-sam-presti-s-wife-details-on-okc-thunder-gm-s-relationship-status/
  60. https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholascrain/2021/02/22/okc-thunder-general-manager-sam-prestis-600000-donation-makes-major-impact-on-oklahoma-childrens-hospital/
  61. https://www.facebook.com/NBAonESPN/posts/sam-presti-is-always-thinking-about-building-except-when-hes-playing-the-drumsra/1277292987094434/
  62. https://okcthunderwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/thunder/2025/07/05/sam-presti-hilariously-talks-jazz-rap-albums-little-embarrassing/84479326007/
  63. https://www.koco.com/article/sam-presti-provides-donation-to-help-build-relations-between-youth-law-enforcement/15165091
  64. https://www.oklahomahof.com/hof/current-class
  65. https://www.thescholarshipfundofcc.org/named-halls
  66. https://andscape.com/features/behind-the-friendship-that-sparked-the-thunder-fellows-program-in-tulsa/
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