The Minnesota Timberwolves may have been the ones who acquired LaMelo Ball in Thursday's surprise blockbuster, but the OKC Thunder could still be directly impacted by the transaction should they wish to be.
The All-Star's departure from Charlotte has freed up more than $30 million in salary on the Hornets' books. On top of this, they netted a slew of future draft capital.
By all accounts, this looks like the perfect team for the Thunder to negotiate a Lu Dort trade with.
Thunder should dial up Hornets in regard to possible Lu Dort trade
Though superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander may not be all that keen on seeing his beloved, long-time teammate sent out of the Sooner State, the fact of the matter is Sam Presti and company will need to shed significant salary at some point this offseason to get the club below the dreaded second apron threshold and, in turn, avoid crippling tax penalties.
Parting ways with Dort and the $17.7 million owed to him next year has been one of the most often suggested paths to chipping away at their lucrative payroll, and Charlotte could be an ideal partner due not only to their financial flexibility and influx of draft picks, but also the fact that even though they traded away their lone star, they still seem to be in a prime position to compete next year.
Still in tow are the ascending young talents of Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel. The Hornets also acquired 2024 Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid from Minnesota as well.
Whether they make another move for a big-time, ready-made star (Jaylen Brown, perhaps?) or not, the idea of this team bringing on a seasoned veteran like Dort, someone who was quintessential in developing the kind of culture the dynasty-pushing Thunder are celebrated for, is something that should be incredibly intriguing for this young and talented Charlotte squad.
Dort, meanwhile, would have an opportunity to provide the same title-winning leadership to this team that wrapped 2025-26 as arguably the hottest team in the association, going 28-10 over their final 38 games.
His three-and-D skills would also fit seamlessly into the Hornets' on-court scheme that placed third in long-range shooting (37.8) and, from January 22 on, ranked eighth in defensive rating.
All things considered, should the Thunder bring back more draft capital and no substantial salary in a hypothetical exchange, moving Dort to Charlotte could be a real win for all parties involved.
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