Thunder GM admits he missed trade for ex-Celtics forward

The Oklahoma City Thunder made a last-minute splash by acquiring Gordon Hayward at this year's NBA trade deadline. But it didn't quite pan out the way he or the team envisioned.

Hayward, whose contract is expiring, averaged 5.3 points, 2.5 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 26 games (three starts) for the Thunder. When the playoffs rolled around, his time on the field became almost nonexistent. The forward was held in three games against the Dallas Mavericks in the second round of the NBA playoffs and played a total of three minutes.

While the trade freed up $35 million in cap space for the Thunder entering free agency this summer, general manager Sam Presti admitted the deal was one he missed.

“I missed it. It’s my fault,” he told reporters Tuesday during his end-of-season press conference. “But I'm learning. I'm trying to learn this team. I'm trying to learn a little bit of the rhythm of the team. I'm just trying to be a great observer of the team as She evolves at this pace, knowing that she will really change on her own.

“…I wish it would have gone better for Gordon, but that's how it goes,” Presti added later.

At the time of the trade, Oklahoma City was in a good position and racking up wins. Bringing in a veteran like Hayward, accustomed to playing heavier minutes and seeing his role diminish quickly, was not something Presti had in mind when he made the deal.

Hayward admitted to being disappointed with how his OKC tenure went, something Presti agreed with.

It's unclear what Hayward's market will look like this offseason, but it doesn't appear a reunion with the Thunder will happen. Regardless, Oklahoma City is in a good position to strengthen its team this summer.

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