The Oklahoma City Thunder had a remarkable season, winning 57 games and claiming the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. However, their journey came to an end in the second round of the playoffs when they were defeated by the Dallas Mavericks in six games.
General manager Sam Presti, known for his strategic moves, made a trade for Gordon Hayward from the Charlotte Hornets during the season. Despite having assets and cap space, Presti admitted in a recent press conference that he “missed on that” trade. He acknowledged that he misread the situation and emphasized the importance of learning from his mistakes.
Presti reflected on how the team evolved throughout the season, despite having the same players. He recognized the need to observe and provide the team with what it requires to succeed. The Hayward trade did not pan out as expected, especially when compared to the Mavericks’ successful acquisitions of Daniel Gafford and P.J. Washington at the trade deadline.
Gafford, who could have been a perfect fit for the Thunder, played a crucial role in the Mavericks’ playoff run. Presti’s honesty and self-awareness regarding the Hayward trade shed light on the challenges and complexities of managing an NBA team. As the Thunder look towards the future, Presti’s commitment to learning and adapting will be key in shaping the team’s success.