Thunder: Sam Presti begins talks with Russell Westbrook's agent

“A lot of this is brand new to us,” Presti said. “The last 24 hours has been a little bit of a scramble. We have a lot of things that we have to do from getting players in to just basically preparing ourselves for what's ahead. The good thing is that everybody's in the same situation. We've done everything we can do from a basketball operations standpoint to prepare for when this day would come.”

The Thunder must also make a decision on whether to re-sign restricted free agent Daequan Cook. Both sides have expressed interest in getting a deal done.

“Daequan's a player that we had with us last year, and we're going to have conversations with his representatives,” Presti said. “He's earned the right to be a free agent, and we're going to work through that process with him and understand what's there.”

If the Thunder decides not to bring Cook back, it would open a roster spot to lure another free agent. Oklahoma City also could buyout guard Nate Robinson. USA Today reported Wednesday that the two sides already were working on a buyout. Presti, however, declined to confirm or deny the report.

“We don't ever engage in rumors and speculation,” Presti said. “Nate's a part of the organization. In regards to anything that's been reported, we never comment on those things.”