Thunder's Sam Presti emotional talking about Jeff Green

Ibaka's continued emergence helped make Thursday's trades possible.

"I don't think Serge is a driving factor necessarily," Presti said. "I think the fact we have some depth allowed us to look at this (trade) more closely. We understand having Serge there is a benefit for us.

"I really credit our coaching staff's focus on development in the sense that we feel like Serge is prepared, not to meet every challenge but certainly to have the opportunity to take the challenge on as he increases his role a little bit with this move."

Thursday's trades leave the Thunder with one open spot on its 15-man roster. Presti would not speculate how or when he will fill that spot.

The arrival of the 5-foot-9 Robinson gives OKC another small guard in addition to second-year backup point guard Eric Maynor.

"Nate coming to our team, I don't think that's necessarily a reflection on Eric," Presti said. "We're very pleased with Eric. My job is to continue to strengthen the roster any way I can. When you make trades it's not necessarily an indictment on other players. It's more about trying to help the other players as a whole."

Presti said he and coach Scott Brooks acknowledge the Thunder now enters a transition period.

"The important thing to recognize is that anytime someone gets traded, those are tough things," Presti said. "The (Thunder's new) guys are excited about the opportunity. I think they have a good feel for the team and the things they are about to do.

"If I were to sit here and tell you I thought we were the perfect puzzle or that we were completed, I don't think I'd be very genuine. We know we've got areas to improve on. We know there are things we need to address, but we can't do that all at one time."

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