Career Timeline of Sam Presti: Major Achievements and Milestones

How Sam Presti built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Sam Presti is the executive vice president and general manager of the Oklahoma City Thunder since 2007. Hired at 29, he was the second-youngest GM in NBA history. He is currently among the longest-tenured basketball operations heads in the league.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

1996: First NBA Finals Since 1996

In 2011-2012 NBA Season, the Thunder advanced to the NBA Finals for the first time since 1996 when the franchise was in Seattle.

2001: Presti Encourages Spurs to Draft Tony Parker

Prior to the 2001 NBA draft, Presti was instrumental in encouraging the Spurs to draft Tony Parker. He presented footage of Parker during his time with Paris Basket Racing to R.C. Buford.

2002: Presti Becomes Assistant Director of Scouting

In 2002, Presti became the assistant director of scouting for the San Antonio Spurs.

2003: Presti Appointed as Director of Player Personnel

In 2003, Presti was promoted to director of player personnel for the San Antonio Spurs.

2005: Presti Elevated to Vice President and Assistant General Manager

In 2005, Presti was elevated to the position of Vice President and Assistant General Manager for the San Antonio Spurs.

June 7, 2007: Presti Named SuperSonics General Manager

On June 7, 2007, Sam Presti was named the general manager of the Seattle SuperSonics, making him the youngest general manager in the league at the time. The Sonics owner Clay Bennett considered Presti "thoughtful, methodical, and measured".

2007: First Draft and Trades as Sonics GM

In 2007, Presti's first draft night as Sonics GM involved trading for Jeff Green, drafting Kevin Durant, signing and trading Rashard Lewis, and acquiring Kurt Thomas along with future first-round picks.

2007: Presti Hired as Thunder General Manager

In 2007, Sam Presti was hired as the executive vice president and general manager for the Oklahoma City Thunder of the NBA. At 29 years old, this made him the second-youngest person to ever hold the position in the NBA.

July 2008: Relocation to Oklahoma City

In July 2008, Sam Presti joined the franchise in their relocation to Oklahoma City, becoming the Oklahoma City Thunder.

2009: Thunder Draft James Harden and Team Success

In 2009, the Thunder drafted James Harden, marking their first appearance since relocating. Kevin Durant became the youngest scoring leader, and the Thunder clinched their first playoff berth, marking a significant turnaround.

2011: Thunder Reach Western Conference Finals

In 2011, the Thunder reached the Western Conference Finals, but lost to the Dallas Mavericks.

2012: Harden Trade

In 2012, Sam Presti and James Harden were unable to agree on a contract extension and the Thunder traded James Harden to the Houston Rockets.

2014: Thunder lottery pick

In 2014, The Thunder had their own lottery pick for the first time since.

2015: Scott Brooks Fired as Head Coach

After an injury-riddled 2014-15 season, Presti fired head coach Scott Brooks in 2015 after seven season with the team.

2019: Paul George Trade

In 2019, Presti traded Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for players and draft picks.

2020: Westbrook Trade and Coaching Change

In 2020, Presti traded Russell Westbrook to the Houston Rockets. Presti and head coach Billy Donovan mutually agreed to part ways.

2020: Presti Gains Reputation

Throughout the 2020 season, 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.