It's widely believed that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has a strong desire to see his long-time teammate Lu Dort remain with the OKC Thunder beyond the 2025-26 campaign.
Heading into the offseason, the veteran defensive stalwart finds himself attached to a $17.7 million club option and, considering their projected second-apron exceeding payroll, many have suspected that his deal could be moved on from to help Sam Presti and company chip away at their inflated financial situation.
Recently, former league executive and current NBA writer, John Hollinger, gave his two cents on Dort's standing with the team, and, ultimately, noted that he thinks Oklahoma City will "end up picking up the option," though, not necessarily to keep him in the Sooner State but, rather, "to trade him for a second-round pick or two."
"Here’s the thing: The Thunder can’t afford to keep him at this price, or any price, really, as they’re $28 million over next year’s second apron even without him, have ample depth at his position and need to make room on the roster for two more first-round picks," Hollinger wrote.
Ex-NBA executive predicts Thunder will pick-up, then trade Lu Dort
Despite Gilgeous-Alexander's rumored desires, Hollinger has "a hard time" believing Dort will be a member of the Thunder next year.
On the one hand, seeing the veteran head outbound would certainly be quite a gut-punch from an emotional standpoint, as Dort is tied for the longest-tenured member of the club and has played a major role in developing their current, championship-winning culture.
Of course, on the other hand, it would be a clear example of how the NBA is first and foremost a business, and that his departure would help OKC maintain their standing as a title contender in both the immediate and long-term future as they navigate the tax penalties implemented in the latest CBA.
On top of this, should Hollinger's feelings on the matter become the reality, it's not as if the Thunder would wind up losing such a vital piece of their defensive punch for nothing, like they would if they were simply to decline Dort's fifth-year option.
Netting more draft capital always seems to be a welcome turn of events for Presti.
While moving on from a beloved piece of Oklahoma City's title-winning core is far from an ideal scenario, sadly, it seems to be the most logical and seamless way for the team to whittle away at their league-leading payroll and, simultaneously, create more opportunities for younger, higher upside guys like Cason Wallace, Jared McCain, and whoever else they add on in this year's draft.
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