Video: Bulls Will Not Pursue Sam Presti

The Chicago Bulls are looking for a top executive to run their team and Sam Presti will not be getting a call.

Some Welcome news for Thunder fans the Chicago Bulls will not be pursuing Sam Presti to make their basketball decisions.  The Bulls are planning to start interviews next week for a top executive who will have "full basketball authority." 

The big take away is that Chicago didn't have a shot at Presti.  If they did, he would be no worse than second on Michel Rinesdorf's list behind Masai Ujiri of the Raptors.  

Chicago will not pursue OKC's Sam Presti or Toronto's Masai Ujiri, according to sources, and does not plan to go player agent route.

— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) April 3, 2020

Sam Amico of All Cavs reported in March that Clay Bennet and Presti were on such good terms that the Thunder owner would not have an issue with him pursuing other opportunities. The problem for the Bulls or any other team that may want Presti's services is the price tag could be upwards of 9 to 10-million dollars. 

Another issue is that Vice President John Paxon and General Manager Gar Forman could stay on in other roles. Presti, who has been the only GM in Oklahoma City's history, has complete jurisdiction when it comes to personnel decisions. 

A new top basketball executive in place if/when the season resumes gives him a chance to evaluate the roster and coaching staff before the off-season starts. https://t.co/8VCcR9ByI1

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) April 3, 2020

No matter the job description in Chicago, you still have predecessors looking over your shoulder, and it wouldn't take much to poison the well. Presti is too smart to walk into that situation. 

Plus, with a stockpile of draft picks over the next few seasons and a potential superstar in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to build around, the Thunder are set up for a bright future. 

Hall Of Fame Announced:

The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is announcing its class of 2020. Some of this year's inductees are Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Rudy Tomjanovich, and former Oklahoma State coach Eddie Sutton. 

Your 2020 Basketball Hall of Fame Finalists. #20HoopClass pic.twitter.com/FC5vjUyHdG

— Basketball HOF (@Hoophall) February 14, 2020