The Oklahoma City Thunder have a Cason Wallace extension issue on their hands after it was reported that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander would let the organization know how much he values playing with Luguentz Dort. The roster gets significantly more expensive next season as the Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams extensions kick in. SGA gets a $20 million raise in the 2027-28 season. The Thunder will quickly blow past the second apron, and now have to figure out if they can extend Wallace at all.
The tenth overall draft pick in 2023 deserves a new contract before the start of the 2026-27 season. Wallace put some doubt in fans' minds about his future during his exit interview. OKC can’t keep everyone. The easy decision appeared to be dumping Dort to keep Wallace, but SGA ruined that.
Sam Presti has no interest in breaking up Gilgeous-Alexander, Holmgren, and Williams. Alex Caruso is rumored to be locked in. They need Isaiah Hartenstein to combat Victor Wembanyama for years to come. Keeping that core likely means the Thunder must choose between paying Dort or Wallace moving forward.
Thunder face Cason Wallace extension crisis if SGA is determined to keep Lu Dort
Oklahoma City has a $17.7 million team option on Dort’s contract for next season. They can extend him off that number or decline it and work out a new deal. Dort is represented by Klutch Sports, so fans can keep dreaming if they are hoping the 6’4 wing will take a discount. The Thunder will likely have to pay $20-25 million per year to lock in Dort long-term.
Dort was first-team All-Defense in 2025, and Wallace was second-team this season. Dort was the starter, but Wallace actually played more in the playoffs. They are both stout perimeter defenders that fit the Thunder’s culture. Wallace is four and a half years younger, but Dort is only 27.
The Thunder will trim payroll this summer. Spotrac projects them to be $28.5 million over the second tax apron next season. They are just $12 million under in 2027-28 before Hartenstein, Dort, and Wallace have new contracts. If each is making $20-plus million, OKC would have a record-breaking payroll and face the harshest second apron penalties. That doesn’t sound like something Sam Presti would let happen.
The Thunder can’t expect Wallace to accept a discount after an incredible season. He finished seventh in Defensive Player of the Year voting as a 22-year-old. The 6’3 guard has earned a raise, but Oklahoma City may not be the team that gives it to him.
They could push the Wallace decision into the 2027 offseason. He would be a restricted free agent, but OKC isn’t suddenly getting more financial flexibility. Presti should look to trade Wallace if they can’t iron out a new contract. It would allow OKC to save some money and create needed roster space.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have a difficult Cason Wallace extension decision to make, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander made it more challenging by wanting Luguentz Dort to remain with the franchise. Presti has to make some difficult choices this summer. Does he let Dort go and risk upsetting SGA? They could trade Wallace, but that makes them worse next season.
This is why Presti makes millions. None of the calls are easy, but fans know he will nail them.
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