Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Gives GM Sam Presti Ultimate Vote of Confidence

The Oklahoma City Thunder fell to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals, failing to defend their reigning NBA title.

Despite finishing the 2025-26 regular season with the league’s best record, the Thunder were unable to overcome Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs, who look as though they could be on the verge of an NBA dynasty.

Immediately following the Thunder’s season-ending loss, questions regarding possible offseason moves began to swirl.

When asked about possible trades and contract moves, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander deferred all responsibility to Oklahoma City general manager Sam Presti.

“I will give zero input, I will let Sam Presti, the greatest GM ever, do his job,” Gilgeous-Alexander said postgame.

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Presti has been the organization’s GM since 2007, when the team was still the Seattle SuperSonics. He built the franchise into what it is today, leading the team to a 2025 NBA title as the league’s Executive of the Year.

Before his time with the Thunder, Presti won three NBA titles as an assistant GM for the Spurs (2003, 2005, 2007).

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Gilgeous-Alexander did his part in Saturday night’s Game 7 loss, recording a game-high 35 points to go along with his nine assists. But, it wasn’t enough to overcome a balanced scoring attack from Wembanyama and the visiting Spurs.

San Antonio now moves on to face off against the New York Knicks in the NBA Finals.

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This story was originally published May 31, 2026 at 11:04 AM.