Presti to Face Contract, Cap and Westbrook Questions Thursday
The short version
- Sam Presti's preseason press conference is set for Thursday, Sept. 24.
- Guard Cason Wallace is unsigned past an Oct. 19 extension deadline.
- The Thunder traded Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins for seven second-round picks.
- Russell Westbrook retired after 18 seasons, including 11 with the Thunder.
Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti holds his 2026-27 preseason press conference Thursday, with Cason Wallace's contract situation topping the agenda.
Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti is scheduled to hold his annual preseason press conference on Thursday, Sept. 24, marking the unofficial start of the team's 2026-27 NBA campaign.
The most pressing issue is guard Cason Wallace, who remains without a contract extension despite being eligible for a new deal throughout the offseason. Wallace earned All-Defense honors last season and is expected to take on a full-time starting role. The Thunder face an Oct. 19 deadline before he would head toward restricted free agency next summer.
Presti is also likely to address a summer of financially driven roster moves. Oklahoma City traded Lu Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins to Eastern Conference teams, collecting seven future second-round picks while creating salary relief under the league's restrictive cap rules.
Russell Westbrook's retirement is another expected topic. The former MVP played 11 of his 18 seasons with the Thunder, and the franchise has already honored him with a tribute and a statement from Presti. Further recognition of his career may be discussed.
Despite the offseason turnover, Oklahoma City remains a title contender built around Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams.
