History of Sam Presti in Timeline

Sam Presti is the current Executive Vice President and General Manager of the Oklahoma City Thunder since 2007. Appointed at age 29, he became the second-youngest GM in NBA history. As of now, he is also the third-longest tenured head of basketball operations in the NBA.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

November 1, 1977: Sam Presti's Birth

On November 1, 1977, Samuel Presti was born. He is now the executive vice president and general manager for the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Others born on this day/year

1996: First NBA Finals since 1996

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

2001: Encouraged Spurs to draft Tony Parker

Prior to the 2001 NBA draft, Presti encouraged the Spurs to draft Tony Parker, showing footage of Parker during his tenure with Paris Basket Racing.

2002: Assistant Director of Scouting

In 2002, Sam Presti became the assistant director of scouting for the San Antonio Spurs, rising through the front office ranks.

2003: Spurs Championship Team

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

2003: Director of Player Personnel

In 2003, Sam Presti was promoted to director of player personnel for the San Antonio Spurs, continuing his rise within the organization.

2005: Vice President and Assistant General Manager

In 2005, Sam Presti was elevated to the position of 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.

2006: Sonics record

In the 2006-07 season, the Sonics had a 31-51 record.

June 7, 2007: Named General Manager of Seattle SuperSonics

On June 7, 2007, Sam Presti was named general manager of the Seattle SuperSonics. Sonics owner Clay Bennett valued Presti's thoughtful and methodical approach, leading to his hiring and making him the league's youngest general manager at the time.

2007: First Trade and Draft Picks

In 2007, Sam Presti acquired Jeff Green and Kevin Durant, and signed and traded Rashard Lewis, acquiring Kurt Thomas and future first-round picks. He also hired P.J. Carlesimo as coach. The 2007-08 Sonics finished with a 20–62 record, and Durant was named NBA Rookie of the Year.

2007: Named General Manager of the Seattle SuperSonics

In 2007, Sam Presti became the general manager for the Seattle SuperSonics at 29 years old, making him the second-youngest person to hold the position in the NBA. He has been the head of basketball operations for the team (later the Oklahoma City Thunder) since 2007, making him the third-most tenured in the league.

2007: Spurs Championship Team

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

July 2008: Relocation to Oklahoma City

In July 2008, Sam Presti and the franchise relocated to Oklahoma City, becoming the Oklahoma City Thunder.

2009: Drafted James Harden

In the 2009 NBA draft, the Thunder drafted James Harden, the 3rd overall pick. He was later named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.

2011: Reached the Western Conference Finals

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

2012: Traded James Harden

In 2012, Sam Presti traded James Harden to the Houston Rockets after failing to reach a contract extension agreement. The Thunder received Kevin Martin, Jeremy Lamb, and draft picks in exchange. This decision faced heavy criticism.

2013: Playoffs: lost to the Memphis Grizzlies

In 2013, the Thunder finished first in the Western Conference with a 60-22 record. During the playoffs, Russell Westbrook suffered a season-ending injury, and the team fell to the Memphis Grizzlies in the second round.

2014: Lost in conference finals

In 2014, 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.

2014: Own Lottery Pick

In 2021, 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.

2015: Fired Head Coach Scott Brooks

In 2015, Sam Presti fired head coach Scott Brooks after seven seasons with the team, which included a finals appearance and an NBA Coach of the Year award.

2018: Harden Wins MVP

In 2018, James Harden won the MVP award with the Houston Rockets, fueling criticism of the trade made by Presti in 2012.

2019: Trade of Paul George

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

2020: Began Rebuilding Process

In 2020, 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.

2020: Acquiring draft picks

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.

2021: Selected Josh Giddey

In 2021, 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.

2021: Began Rebuilding Process

In 2021, the Thunder traded away key veterans, Chris Paul, Steven Adams, Danilo Gallinari, and Dennis Schröder, and also drafted Josh Giddey, the 6th overall pick, in the 2021 NBA draft. The team also parted ways with head coach Billy Donovan.