For weeks now, one of the main storylines of the offseason for the OKC Thunder has revolved around whether or not the club would pick up guard Lu Dort's team option.
They did so just before Monday's deadline, and, with free agency looming, it turns out it may be an even smarter move than previously advertised.
For a while now, young sharpshooter Cason Wallace has been thought of as Dort's predecessor. Better than the veteran in nearly every statistical category, it was presumed that Wallace would overtake Dort in the starting rotation beginning as soon as next season.
Recent rumblings regarding the young talent, however, indicate that that may not be such a sure thing.
According to the New York Post, it is believed that Wallace is open to leaving the Thunder, especially with a large extension looming. If OKC can't front the bill, he might have no problem skipping town.
New long-term game plan for Thunder may not involve Cason Wallace
If the Thunder were to move Wallace, it would leave them right back where they started -- with Dort rounding out the starting five and coach Mark Daigneault without a better option to replace him.
It's not like Dort doesn't deserve his starting spot. He has anchored the team's perimeter defense for the past seven years. Lately, though, questions have arisen regarding his offensive skill set, as he shot just 38.5 percent from the field and 34.4 percent from three this past year, both his lowest since 2023.
Wallace represents a more offensively efficient version of Dort with a similar nose for the defensive side of the ball.
Now, with the latest buzz, retaining Dort feels like it will be worth every penny.
Thunder can't forget what the veteran Dort brings to the table
After the Conference Finals, Thunder fans were marveling at the upcoming season's hypothetical starting five, consisting of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Cason Wallace.
It felt like a lineup that had no holes, with Wallace serving as the spot-up three-and-D man who could punish opposing teams for double-teaming SGA.
Now, that feels like less of a realistic option, and fans are left remembering the value their veteran wing brings to the table.
Dort has helped this team win a championship, and there is no taking that away from him. While he may have his shortcomings, it is important to remember that the NBA has few perimeter defenders who are as physically imposing as the Arizona product.
Even Wallace himself is not as adept at overpowering the other team's superstar.
While there has been constant chatter about a potential trade in Dort's future, teams hopeful of landing the defender may now be out of luck, as the Thunder don't appear all that likely to part ways with him any time soon.
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