Sam Presti Agrees to Contract Extension with Thunder

Originally Published: Jul 22, 2010 10:35 AM CDT

Stephany Speck
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

OKLAHOMA CITY -- The man behind the building the Oklahoma City Thunder, General Manager Sam Presti, agree to a multi-year contract extension Thursday with the team.

Details about the agreement were not disclosed, but the organization’s chairman Clay Bennett released the following statement about Presti in a press release:

"We are fortunate to have Sam leading our basketball organization. He is extremely committed to the growth of our franchise, of our players, and this community. He has helped build an identity for this organization that we can all be proud of. I look forward to our continued work together as we experience the challenges of creating sustainable success."

Presti has played a vital role in building the Thunder’s youthful roster, which finished the season 50-32, more than doubling their wins from the previous season. Presti was named as General Manager in 2007 and promoted to Executive Vice President and General Manager prior to the 2009-10 season.

"I am extremely humbled to have the opportunity to continue our work here with the Thunder,” Presti said in a press release. “Oklahoma City is home for me. We have a committed group of players, excellent coaches led by Scott Brooks, and a support staff in both basketball and business, that is integral to the vision of our organization and I am grateful for their partnership.”

Presti was named the NBA Executive of the Year by the Sporting News after last season’s 27-game turnaround, in which gave the team its first playoff berth in Oklahoma City.