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. He was the second-youngest GM in NBA history at the time of his hiring. As of 2025, he is the third-longest tenured head of basketball operations in the league. Under Presti's leadership, the Thunder won their first NBA championship in 2025.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

2001: Encouraging the Spurs to draft Tony Parker

Prior to the 2001 NBA draft, Sam Presti encouraged the Spurs to draft Tony Parker, showing footage of Parker during his time with Paris Basket Racing to R.C. Buford. Parker went on to have a successful NBA career.

2002: Assistant Director of Scouting

In 2002, Sam Presti was promoted to assistant director of scouting for the San Antonio Spurs.

2003: Director of Player Personnel

In 2003, Sam Presti advanced to the position of director of player personnel for the San Antonio Spurs.

2003: Spurs Championship Team

In 2003, Sam Presti was part of the San Antonio Spurs championship team.

2005: Vice President and Assistant General Manager

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

2005: Spurs Championship Team

In 2005, Sam Presti was part of the San Antonio Spurs championship team.

June 7, 2007: Named General Manager of the Seattle SuperSonics

On June 7, 2007, Sam Presti was named the general manager of the Seattle SuperSonics. Sonics owner Clay Bennett viewed Presti as "thoughtful, methodical, and measured".

2007: Hired as General Manager of the Oklahoma City Thunder

In 2007, Sam Presti was hired as the executive vice president and general manager for the Oklahoma City Thunder of the NBA. At 30 years old, Presti became the second-youngest person to ever hold the position in the NBA.

2007: Spurs Championship Team

In 2007, Sam Presti was part of the San Antonio Spurs championship team.

2007: Trades and Drafts

In 2007, during the NBA draft, Sam Presti acquired Jeff Green via trade involving Ray Allen and drafted Kevin Durant. He also traded Rashard Lewis, acquiring Kurt Thomas and future first-round picks. He hired P.J. Carlesimo as coach.

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: Coaching Change and Draft of James Harden

In 2009, Sam Presti's first season in Oklahoma City, the Thunder fired P.J. Carlesimo and named Scott Brooks as interim coach. In the 2009 NBA draft, the Thunder drafted James Harden.

2011: Thunder Reach Western Conference Finals

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

2012: James Harden Trade

In 2012, Sam Presti and James Harden were unable to reach a contract extension, leading to Presti trading Harden to the Houston Rockets. This move was met with criticism.

2013: Playoff Loss

In 2013, following the James Harden trade, the Thunder finished with a 60-22 record. Russell Westbrook suffered a season-ending injury in the playoffs, and the team lost to the Memphis Grizzlies in the second round.

2014: Conference Finals Loss and Durant MVP

In 2014, Sam Presti and the Thunder finished with a 59-23 record, and Kevin Durant was named NBA Most Valuable Player. However, the Thunder lost in the conference finals in a rematch with the San Antonio Spurs.

2015: Firing of Head Coach Scott Brooks

In 2015, Sam Presti fired head coach Scott Brooks after seven seasons with the team and hired Billy Donovan to replace him.

2019: Paul George Trade

In 2019, Sam Presti traded Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Danilo Gallinari, and multiple future draft picks.