Thunder GM Sam Presti Says He 'Missed' on Gordon Hayward Trade amid Player's Comments
May 28, 2024
Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti told reporters in his 2023-24 exit interview that he "missed" on the team's trade deadline move for forward Gordon Hayward.
Thunder Film Room @ThunderFilmRoom"I missed on that. That's on me, but I'm learning."<br><br>- Sam Presti discussing how while the Gordon Hayward trade was multidimensional (freed up roster spots & Cap), he feels that he misread it & talked about how it's a learning experience.<br><br>Found the self-awareness cool. <a href="https://t.co/rJe7f6ASAT">pic.twitter.com/rJe7f6ASAT</a>
His remarks come a week and a half after Hayward told reporters that he was disappointed with how his Thunder tenure turned out.
"Disappointing with how it all kind of worked out," he said. "Certainly frustrating. I feel as a player, I have a lot to offer. Just wasn't really given much of an opportunity to do that. I thought I would be given that opportunity."
Hayward added: "It's not what I thought it would be."
In 25 games for the Charlotte Hornets this season, the 6'7" Hayward averaged 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 4.6 assists. He was traded to OKC in February for Davis Bertans, Tre Mann, Vasilije Micić, cash and two second-round picks (2024, 2025).
However, the 34-year-old averaged just 17.2 minutes in 26 games for OKC after suiting up for 31.9 MPG in Charlotte. He then played just 46 minutes over seven playoff games for the Thunder, sitting three contests entirely.
Hayward is now a free agent, and it's fair to say he doesn't appear likely to return to OKC. But the 14-year NBA veteran still has something left in the tank based on his play with the Hornets. It's just a matter of him finding a better fit as he continues his NBA career.
