World PulseNow
SportsClutchPointsSun, Jun 14, 2026, 10:51 PMNeutral

Sources indicate Thunder’s Sam Presti has eyes on moving up in this year’s draft

Oklahoma City Thunder General Manager Sam Presti is reportedly looking to trade up in the upcoming NBA draft, aiming to secure a top 10 pick. This strategy follows a disappointing end to the season, where the Thunder were eliminated in the Western Conference Finals after a Game 7 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Presti's focus is on enhancing the team's roster, currently holding picks 12 and 17 in the draft.

Sources indicate Thunder’s Sam Presti has eyes on moving up in this year’s draft

WPN Brief

  • What Happened

    Oklahoma City Thunder General Manager Sam Presti is reportedly looking to trade up in the upcoming NBA draft, aiming to secure a top 10 pick. This strategy follows a disappointing end to the season, where the Thunder were eliminated in the Western Conference Finals after a Game 7 loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Presti's focus is on enhancing the team's roster, currently holding picks 12 and 17 in the draft.

  • Why It Matters

    This potential move to trade up is significant for the Thunder as it reflects Presti's commitment to building a competitive team capable of contending for a championship. By acquiring a higher draft pick, the Thunder could target a promising prospect who could make an immediate impact.

  • The Bigger Picture

    The Thunder's draft strategy comes in the wake of a season marked by challenges, including the performance of star players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren, who faced scrutiny during the playoffs. Presti's recent comments defending his players and addressing roster decisions indicate a broader effort to maintain team cohesion while navigating the complexities of roster retooling in a competitive league.

Ask WPN AI

Related Reports

More coverage on this story

3 reports across the wire

ClutchPoints
Jun 4

NBA rumors: Thunder, Bulls, Hornets trying to trade up into top 10 of draft

The Oklahoma City Thunder are actively seeking to trade up into the top 10 of the upcoming NBA Draft, aiming to retool their roster after a disappointing Game 7 loss to the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Finals. With two picks available in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Thunder are exploring options to enhance their team.

Sportsneutral
ClutchPoints
Jun 9

Sam Presti vehemently defends SGA, Chet Holmgren in his Thunder vs ‘the machine’ address

Oklahoma City Thunder General Manager Sam Presti delivered a passionate defense of star players Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren during his end-of-season address, following the team's elimination from the Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. Presti addressed criticisms regarding Gilgeous-Alexander's foul-baiting and Holmgren's performance, emphasizing the challenges they face on the court.

Sportspositive
Yahoo Sports – General
Jun 8

Thunder GM Sam Presti launches spirited defense of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 'He's playing against 6 people. He's got 5 defenders, and the 6th defender is social media'

In a passionate end-of-season press conference, Oklahoma City Thunder General Manager Sam Presti defended star player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, stating that he faces unique challenges on the court, including the scrutiny of social media. Presti emphasized that Gilgeous-Alexander is effectively playing against six opponents: five defenders and the sixth being public perception.

Sportspositive

Apps

Useful picks

Explore all apps
Business & Productivity

Dreem

Secure U.S. visas for founders and tech professionals with streamlined immigration support.

View app
Tech & Developer Tools

The Ticker Screen

Display live sports scores and stats on a dedicated screen at home.

View app
Business & Productivity

SAJOKI

Assess candidate personality traits to make informed pre-hire decisions.

View app
AI & Data

Gonogo by Trampoline

Streamline sales, RFPs, bids, and projects with AI-powered management tools.

View app
Business & Productivity

TaskFord

Streamline task tracking, project planning, and resource allocation with dynamic Gantt charts and advanced roadmaps.

View app
Tech & Developer Tools

Parallel

Streamline your startup's hiring process with modern, efficient recruitment tools.

View app

Articles

Continue Reading

Los Angeles TimesSportsyesterday

Raptors put Kawhi Leonard trade on hold until the NBA probe into the Clippers concludes

The Toronto Raptors have decided to pause the trade of star player Kawhi Leonard until the conclusion of an NBA investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers regarding potential violations related to Leonard's endorsement deal. The NBA has indicated it will take responsibility for any penalties if wrongdoing is confirmed.

Global NewsSportsyesterday

Raptors’ Leonard deal on hold due to investigation

The Toronto Raptors have paused their proposed trade for star player Kawhi Leonard due to an ongoing NBA investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers, which could affect the terms of the deal. The league has indicated that the Raptors would assume the risk of any outcome from this inquiry.

Yahoo Sports – GeneralSportsyesterday

Raptors trade for Kawhi Leonard can't be completed until NBA's investigation into Clippers ends

The Toronto Raptors' trade for star player Kawhi Leonard is currently on hold pending the conclusion of an NBA investigation into the Los Angeles Clippers. This investigation focuses on potential violations related to Leonard's endorsement deal and salary cap regulations. Until the NBA's findings are released, the trade cannot be finalized.

Yahoo Sports – GeneralSportsyesterday

$12 million man: UCLA just landed the best international hoop prospect in the world

UCLA has successfully recruited Serbian basketball prospect Nikola Kusturica, who is being hailed as a potential future No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft, with a projected value of $12 million. This recruitment marks a significant achievement for the program, especially given the competition from elite schools like Michigan, Kentucky, and Gonzaga.

Yahoo Sports – GeneralSportsyesterday

NBA Summer League 2026: Daily schedule, scores, format, how to watch

The 2026 NBA Summer League is set to take place in Las Vegas, featuring a daily schedule, scores, and viewing options for fans. This event serves as a platform for rookies and teams to showcase their talent ahead of the upcoming NBA season.

Global NewsSports2 days ago

Toronto Raptors sign forward Kyle Anderson

The Toronto Raptors have officially signed forward Kyle Anderson, a move announced by the NBA club on Wednesday, marking a significant addition to their roster. This signing comes as the Raptors continue to build their team following recent changes, including the retirement of franchise icon Kyle Lowry and the promotion of key executives.

Awful AnnouncingSports2 days ago

Kyle Lowry will be a regular NBA on Prime analyst following retirement

Kyle Lowry has officially retired from the NBA and will take on a regular analyst role with NBA on Prime, as confirmed by Amazon. This announcement follows his signing of a ceremonial one-day contract with the Toronto Raptors, marking the end of a distinguished 20-year playing career, primarily spent with the Raptors.

The Guardian – SportSports2 days ago

NBA free agency winners and losers: Sixers cash in while Celtics pay price

The first week of the 2026 NBA free agency has seen significant movements, with the Philadelphia 76ers emerging as major winners, while the Boston Celtics face challenges. LeBron James continues to dominate headlines as he considers his future, potentially shifting to the 76ers, which could reshape the competitive landscape of the league.