OKLAHOMA CITY — Sam Presti doesn’t yet know whether he has built a legitimate championship contender, but the Thunder general manager wasn’t to going to pass on a chance to put his team in the conversation.
When Carmelo Anthony became available, Presti only saw one avenue: A deal must get done.
“It was an incredible opportunity for us and a rare one to add a player like this,” Presti said during Monday’s press conference. “Obviously it doesn’t come around very often that a 10-time All-Star is available, and it’s unique in the sense with the clause in his contract that he could choose the place he could go.
“The ability to make the trade, to be in the position to be on the list of teams. … I look at it as being opportunistic. To me, the risk, I don’t see it as much of a risk because of the team we have in place and the way he complements the team. … Once we have a player like that in place, there’s an infinite amount of possibilities that can take place.”
Until a few days ago, though, Anthony wasn’t an option for Oklahoma City. Anthony still preferred to be traded to Houston, and it was unclear which teams the 33-year-old would waive his no-trade clause to join.
“It’s a unique situation when a player has that ability, [and] you’re kind of just waiting and seeing, and obviously you’re preparing,” Presti said. “We had a good pulse on what was going on with New York, but until you’re on the list, it doesn’t make a difference if you can make a deal or not.”
A little over one year after losing Kevin Durant in free agency, the Thunder now have the league’s newest super team, led by reigning MVP Russell Westbrook.
Saturday’s trade with the Knicks brought Oklahoma City its second superstar of the offseason, following the acquisition of four-time All-Star Paul George.
“We definitely felt great about what we had previous to Carmelo being traded, but now adding someone like Carmelo takes this team to another level,” George said. “In my eyes, [he’s] one of the best true scorers and players that this league has ever seen. It’s a luxury to play alongside him.
“He’s still tough. I think the biggest thing is the competitive nature in him … and just his mindset. He’s one of the most skilled [players] … It’s gonna make him a great piece for coach [Billy Donovan], and for Russ and I to be able to use.”
Westbrook, a former Olympic teammate of Anthony’s, was equally thrilled to be reunited with his friend, with whom he played in pickup games in New York this summer.
“It’s amazing,” Westbrook said. “It’s gonna be exciting. I’m looking forward to making a great run.”