Episode
Shai Steps Back as Presti Faces Payroll Test
- Published
- Jun 2, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 105
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Summary
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is stepping back from front-office control after the Thunder’s playoff exit, handing all personnel decisions to GM Sam Presti — whom he calls the greatest GM ever. This rare move underscores Presti’s decades-long dominance in building Oklahoma City’s core through smart drafting and trades. But with Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Shai’s own supermax looming, the franchise faces its biggest financial challenge yet: staying elite while payroll climbs toward luxury-tax territory. With key players like Isaiah Hartenstein and Lu Dort also approaching contract decisions, and a deep draft pipeline at their disposal, the Thunder’s true test begins now — can they keep winning as costs soar? Support the show: Get a discount at https://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: [email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/bc4608b960e950ea