In many ways, Wednesday's trade for Jared McCain is a sign that the OKC Thunder are concerned about the state of their backcourt rotation heading into the back-end of the 2025-26 campaign, especially with the recent injuries to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Ajay Mitchell.
However, there's a case to be made that the sophomore's arrival could be an indication that Sam Presti and company are preparing to part ways with beloved veteran, Lu Dort.
Thunder trading for Jared McCain makes Lu Dort more expendable
Dating back to the offseason, talk of the guard's possible departure had begun to circulate, as the cash-strapped Thunder will need to find ways to duck under the second apron prior to the start of 2026-27 once the max extensions of Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren kick in.
Offloading the $36.4 million owed to Dort over the final two seasons of his current deal has already been a hypothetical move quietly floated to inch closer to avoiding the dreaded tax apron.
Now, with the addition of McCain, making such a decision becomes much more realistic.
Simply put, it was always expected that the Thunder would have to choose between holding onto Dort or third-year guard Cason Wallace for the long term once both of their contracts come to expire in 2027.
Considering the latter is nearly five years Dort's younger and provides the kind of 3&D skills that have even made the veteran playfully jealous, it's always been a thought in the back of OKC fans' minds that the 26-year-old's days in the Sooner State may soon be coming to an end.
With McCain now in tow, the Thunder have four guards (including Wallace, Mitchell, and Nikola Topic) attached to full-scale standard contracts that, A, are at rookie or minimum salaries, and, B, are on the books for the next several seasons.
Not only this, but all are still under the age of 24 and possess the ability to contribute on both ends of the floor.
With the Thunder pushing to become the league's next great dynasty during this new era of the CBA, prioritizing quality youngsters on affordable pay grades over cherished, albeit older and higher-priced, fan favorites is now the name of the game.
Though it may be tough for some to accept, with the acquisition of Jared McCain, the writing now appears to be on the wall that Lu Dort's tenure in Oklahoma City officially has an expiration date well before the end of his current contract.