The Oklahoma City Thunder have built a historically dominant team through various means, constructing their young core both through trade and the draft. That core has been supplemented through savvy moves on the trade market and in free agency, allowing them to assemble a roster that seems near-unbeatable in a playoff scenario.
One of the most important of these moves was their signing of Isaiah Hartenstein to a three-year, $87 million contract prior to the 2024-25 season.
However, as cap restrictions loom over Oklahoma City, they will have a choice to make.
Both Hartenstein and Lu Dort have club options lingering this offseason. Hartenstein's represents $28.5 million on the Thunder's books, while Dort's represents just over $18 million.
The unfortunate reality is that one will likely have to go. Hartenstein, however, has proved his value yet again this season, making the choice ultimately obvious.
Isaiah Hartenstein's $28.5 million club option should be an easy choice
Hartenstein's signing, along with the trade for Alex Caruso, provided Oklahoma City with a pair of much-needed veteran presences that ultimately yielded them a championship last season.
What Hartenstein provides, additionally, is flexibility in their rotation alongside developing rim blocker Chet Holmgren. The team has posted an absurd 21.6 net rating with both players on the court, per stat aggregator Databallr. This is compared to a league-leading 13.3 net rating across all of the team's minutes.
Hartenstein, moreover, is averaging 11.2 points, 10.4 rebounds and three assists while shooting 64.4% from the field in the 24 games he has played in this season.
While he is yet again sidelined with a calf strain, his importance to the team and the approach they want to take on offense is crystal clear.
Dort, meanwhile, is having somewhat of a down year compared to his elevated production last season. Through 28 games, he's averaging just 8.3 points, 3.5 rebounds and one assist while shooting 33.5% from beyond the arc and 38.2% from the field.
Although he provides a staunch defensive presence on the wing, the ascendance of Cason Wallace as one of the league's premier disruptors could provide an obvious replacement were the team to move on from Dort.
As it stands, Oklahoma City is projected to be $23 million over the second apron next season. While this figure is tenable for a singular season to field a championship-contending roster, cuts will need to be made eventually.
Hartenstein, even with his injuries, has proved his importance to the team. If it comes down to it, his club option should be the obvious path for the Thunder to take.