JOSH KANALY - Sam Presti Discusses Upcoming Thunder Season, Roster Changes, and the Franchise’s Future

Sam Presti discussed the Thunder’s new-look roster, player development, evolving NBA landscape, franchise growth and the leadership of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren entering the upcoming season.

Joshua Kanaly

Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti believes the organization is entering a key season that will require patience, adaptability and continued development as the team builds chemistry with its new-look roster.

Speaking ahead of the upcoming season, Presti addressed an offseason that saw significant roster turnover. The Thunder lost more than 10,000 minutes of experience, creating a different-looking team while many, if not all of the organization’s core principles remaining intact.

Presti stated that Oklahoma City is positioned well to adapt, but he does not want to make definitive judgments about a group that has yet to play and will still need to build chemistry throughout the year. Rather than immediately trying to optimize the roster, he believes the Thunder need to allow the team to develop naturally on the court.

Later in the press conference, Presti was asked about Chet Holmgren’s offseason and what he learned given how his season ended. Presti reassured fans and media that Holmgren is not someone who needs additional motivation, praising his preparation, work ethic and drive.

Adding that the Thunder’s playoff series against the Spurs did not change Holmgren’s overall approach to improving his game.

Presti also pointed to the Thunder’s depth as a major part of their success, saying that if the team remains healthy, playing time will naturally balance itself throughout the season.

The NBA’s changing financial landscape was another major topic. Presti said the league’s new apron rules have made player development increasingly important, limiting the ability of high-spending teams to simply add talent through spending and trades.

As the Thunder approach their 19th season, Presti emphasized the importance of the organization’s first 25 years in establishing its foundation. He said the next chapter will continue to be built around development, adaptability, communication and a commitment to growing together.

The conversation also turned personal when Presti was asked about Russell Westbrook’s retirement. Presti acknowledged that the news hit him hard, pointing to the close relationship the two developed throughout their time together. Westbrook remains an important figure in Thunder history as the organization continues to honor its past while moving forward.

Presti also praised franchise cornerstone Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership, saying he values their regular dialogue but intentionally keeps Shai out of direct roster decisions. He described Shai as a “problem solver” and pointed to his pregame routine of signing autographs for young fans as an example of his character and connection to the “soul of the game.”

As the Thunder enter another season with high expectations, Presti’s message during his press conference remains centered on patience and development. With a new-look roster, evolving NBA landscape and a strong foundation already in place, Oklahoma City will look to build on its past while allowing this year’s group to establish its own identity.