The NBA's July moratorium is officially over, which means teams around the league can finally finalize all new contract agreements. As a result, many OKC Thunder fans are now left wondering when Sam Presti and company will come to a decision on Cason Wallace and his looming rookie extension.
So far into the offseason, there has been little to no buzz about whether a new deal will actually materialize between the two parties, which, in turn, has some now fearing the worst.
However, as we saw just last summer, this front office isn't opposed to taking its time on such decisions.
Let's not forget that it took the Thunder several days after the moratorium ended before coming to terms on new deals for both Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, with the former initially agreeing on July 9 and the latter on July 10.
Just because no word has come out yet doesn't mean OKC and Wallace aren't in active talks behind the scenes.
Frankly, based on their actions this summer, it appears Oklahoma City is interested in keeping the majority of its title-winning core intact, regardless of what the second apron implications may be.
However, to grant their up-and-coming 22-year-old stud what he seems to truly covet, one key departure will almost certainly be necessary.
Thunder must part with Lu Dort to make Cason Wallace full-time starter
Wallace, in particular, has played a key role in the club's dynasty-pushing status, as he's widely regarded as one of the best young two-way backcourt talents in the game today.
The combo guard is coming off a career-best season with the Thunder, where he dropped impressive averages of 8.6 points, 2.6 assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.9 steals while earning All-Defensive Second Team honors along the way.
Now, he finds himself beelining his way toward the final year of his rookie-scale deal and, by his own admission, is "focused on getting better" as a player and competitor.
The most logical next step in his career progression is to become a full-time starter in the association, which, given his production up to this point, is a role he's more than deserving of a shot at.
Unfortunately, as of now, the road to claiming such a spot seems a bit murky with the Thunder, as long-time starting two guard Lu Dort just had his 2026-27 team option picked up.
Unless OKC intends to trade the veteran at some point in the near future, his return for next season only suggests that coach Mark Daigneault is likely gearing up to run back his championship-tested starting five of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Dort, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, and Isaiah Hartenstein for another go at glory.
Though such a thought may be exciting to think about for Thunder fans, it's likely far from the news Wallace was hoping for heading into a potential contract year.
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