Sam Presti Says 2026-27 Thunder Have 'A Chance' to Be as Good as 2025 NBA Title Team

Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti believes that the 2026-27 roster can be just as successful as the organization's 2025 championship-winning team.

"I think the team last year had another level to it," Presti said in a Thursday press conference, via ESPN's Baxter Holmes. "I think we could have got to another level. But I think in due time, like I said earlier, this particular group of players, if we stay healthy, if it has time together, it has a chance to be as good if not better than any of the teams we've had."

After racking up 68 wins and capturing a title during the 2024-25 season, the Thunder looked to hoist the Larry O'Brien Trophy again after compiling a 64-18 record during their 2025-26 campaign.

Oklahoma City ultimately fell to the San Antonio Spurs in seven games during the Western Conference Finals, though.

The 2026-27 Thunder squad will look slightly different compared to past years, as the front office parted ways with Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins earlier this offseason.

Still, Oklahoma City boasts a talented roster that includes its star trio of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren.

Williams and Holmgren have both earned one All-Star nod since the start of the 2024-25 season, while Gilgeous-Alexander is attempting to become the first player to win three consecutive MVP awards since Larry Bird from 1984-86.

"We have three guys, two of which are not even in their prime, that are All-NBA players, and also the other guy that's a back-to-back MVP [Gilgeous-Alexander], and he's only getting better as well in his prime," Presti said Thursday, per Holmes.

The Thunder also have plenty of capable backcourt options including Ajay Mitchell, Cason Wallace and Jared McCain to go along with a frontcourt rotation featuring Isaiah Hartenstein and Jaylin Williams.

It's worth noting that Mitchell and Jalen Williams were both unable to suit up in Game 7 against San Antonio due to injuries.

It'll be intriguing to see how the Thunder fare against the Spurs and Victor Wembanyama this year, as they went just 4-8 when facing San Antonio during the prior regular season and playoffs.

Even with questions surrounding Oklahoma City's outlook against the Spurs, the Thunder are still entering this season as a top contender to win another championship.