Oklahoma City Thunder GM Sam Presti revealed how much input two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has in making roster decisions ahead of the upcoming season. As Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder gear up for 2026-27, Presti was transparent in addressing the kinds of conversations he's had with SGA.
Presti admitted he speaks to Gilgeous-Alexander during the offseason, but not necessarily before making a specific trade, he said, during his preseason address to the Thunder media.
“We talk. I wouldn't say regularly, but we have a good dialogue,” Presti said. “Not every conversation is about something weighty. But I never want to put him in a position where he is having to weigh in one way or the other in a way that could affect one of his teammates. But I always wanna know what he thinks. I've done that with a lot of players over the years. I think he's got a great perspective on things. He's such a unique person. And I just can't stress that enough.
Article Continues Below“That's one of the reasons why I feel so confident in him and the team. And those conversations are professional. The best players are problem solvers, and not guys that fan flames.”
How long Sam Presti plans to keep the Thunder's core players, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren, has been a contentious topic in NBA circles. With Oklahoma City entering its second season since its first franchise championship in 2025, how the Thunder fare this season could ultimately lead to a split, some would say.
Holmgren and Williams will enter the first year of their respective max contracts this upcoming season, while Gilgeous-Alexander will begin his in 2027-28.