The Oklahoma City Thunder know Cason Wallace is ready to replace Luguentz Dort as their starting wing, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s wish may change the reality. Wallace was second-team All-Defense in 2026 and is a plus shooter. He wants a larger role, and the Thunder have to trim their payroll to avoid the second apron. All signs point to moving on from Dort unless SGA gets his way.
The two-time MVP has played seven seasons with Dort, and the duo also stars together for Team Canada. Gilgeous-Alexander will let the front office and ownership know he wants to keep Dort. Everyone has trust in Presti, but it is difficult to ignore a superstar’s desires.
The Thunder are projected to be over the second apron as extensions for Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams kick in, but the spending concerns are just getting started. SGA gets a $20 million per-season raise starting in 2027-28, and Wallace is rookie extension-eligible. They can’t keep everyone, and the former lottery pick is ready for an expanded opportunity.
Cason Wallace played Lu Dort off the Thunder unless SGA stops it
Wallace averaged 8.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.9 steals in 26.6 minutes per game this season. His field goal percentage was a career worst, but the Thunder dealt with injuries all season. Wallace still shot 35.1 percent from 3-point range. He looks ready for a larger opportunity.
The 6’3 guard may even expand his game further. He scored 20 points or more six times. In the 21 games where he played 30-plus minutes, Wallace averaged 12.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.5 steals. He shot 48.8 percent from the field and over 40 percent on his 97 3-point attempts. Those are outstanding numbers, and the 22-year-old still has room to grow.
Dort started every game in the playoffs, but his minutes were way down. He averaged just 22.3 per game as he struggled to make shots. It dropped to 19.3 each night in the Western Conference Finals loss to the Spurs.
Wallace played 24.9 minutes per game in the playoffs and 27.0 each night against the Spurs. Head coach Mark Daigneault clearly thought Wallace was the better option. He didn’t make a change in the starting lineup, but the Thunder knew who gave them the best shot to win.
Wallace is an elite perimeter defender who can space the floor and make plays. He deserves a raise, which is just another reason to dump Dort. The tenth overall draft pick from 2023 has taken this starting role. With OKC needing to shed salary, that means it is time to trade Dort and move on.
SGA will lobby for his countryman, and the Thunder have other options to trim payroll. That may be enough to save Dort. Even if it is, Oklahoma City clearly thinks Wallace gives them a better shot to win. Dort is an elite 3-and-D wing. He doesn’t want to be benched, so the best thing for all involved is to move on from Dort and start Wallace in his place.
Cason Wallace has played Luguentz Dort off the Oklahoma City Thunder, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the only person who can save his countryman. Maybe SGA’s backing keeps Dort with the franchise, but it is time to play Wallace more.
This is a great problem to have. The Thunder have too much talent, and fans will be glued to see how Presti solves it this summer. Expect some pain, but the Thunder will be ready to chase another championship. That is all fans can ask for.
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