Prior to the passing of Monday's league-wide options deadline, the OKC Thunder made the decision to pick up Lu Dort's team option for the 2026-27 season.
While this may come as a bit of a shock to some, as Oklahoma City is actively looking to duck under the dreaded second apron threshold, for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, it appears to be exactly what he wanted to see Sam Presti and company do this summer.
Though the two-time MVP has gone on record saying he has no intention of meddling in the organization's offseason affairs, reports from in-the-know individuals have revealed that, behind the scenes, it's abundantly clear one of his biggest wishes is to see Dort stay put in the Sooner State.
With the news that Oklahoma City has decided to retain the veteran's $17.7 million option, at least for now, it seems this front office is prioritizing making SGA happy over gunning to get out of their troubling financial situation by parting ways with Dort.
No guarentee Thunder keep Lu Dort despite recent decision on option
Though OKC may have decided to opt into the final year of Dort's deal, it doesn't necessarily mean he's now guaranteed to suit up in Thunder blue threads next season.
While declining his deal outright may have been the smoother approach, a popular belief is that Oklahoma City may still be interested in ridding themselves of the guard's salary to help with their payroll woes, though they could be aiming to do so via trade.
The logic behind such an idea is more than sound, for shipping him out to a team in some sort of package would allow the Thunder to bring back potentially valuable assets in return for his services rather than losing him for nothing on the free agency market.
Dort is a proven All-Defensive First Team honoree and a top-four finisher in the 2025 DPOY race who, throughout seven seasons with the Thunder, has dropped averages of 11.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists and played a significant role in bringing the franchise their first Championship.
Looking around the league, there are a number of teams who could greatly benefit from taking on someone of Dort's ilk.
Frankly, if it weren't for their financial situation and the ascension of younger, higher-upside players at the same position like Cason Wallace, Ajay Mitchell, and Jared McCain, the guard would almost certainly be viewed as a borderline untouchable on this dynasty-pushing Thunder squad.
Alas, as a result of their royalty of backcourt riches, they can now afford to part ways with their beloved vet. Though SGA may not be too gung-ho about such a concept, moving on from Dort by way of trade this summer should now be seen as the best course of action for the Thunder.
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