Coming into the summer, the widespread belief was that the OKC Thunder would be looking to chip away at their exorbitant payroll and look to duck under the second apron threshold.
Many feared it would come at the cost of letting go of key figures like Isaiah Hartenstein and Lu Dort to accomplish such a goal.
Their actions during these early stages of the offseason, however, now seem to suggest the plan has changed, which is great news for Dort and his immediate future with the club.
Following the recent re-signing of Kenrich Williams, Oklahoma City now finds itself accruing a luxury tax bill north of $100 million. By all accounts, Sam Presti and company seem to be fine with paying it and heading into the season in the second apron territory.
As ESPN's front office insider Bobby Marks recently reminded everyone, entering the second apron doesn’t restrict teams from keeping their own free agents in tow.
So, while many may have initially wondered where the Thunder could look to send Dort after they opted into his final year under contract, the club's recent moves suggest they expect him to be back in coach Mark Daigneault's starting lineup for the 2026-27 season.
Thunder core already title tested and could have won again if healthy
Though the second apron may seem a bit daunting to some, as it does restrict teams from seamlessly making outside additions, the fact of the matter is that this Thunder core has already proven itself capable of winning an NBA Championship with its title run back in 2025.
Frankly, had it not been for Jalen Williams' hamstring strain and Ajay Mitchell's calf ailment, there's a real chance this club could have gone back-to-back just this past season.
After all, even with all of their injuries, OKC still pushed the eventual Western Conference Champion Spurs to seven games in round three.
By being roughly $13 million over the second apron, the Thunder are locking down their battle-tested core rotation for another go at glory this coming season.
With their experience running the playoff gauntlet now being paired with the fresh new blood of lottery-selected big Aday Mara, this Oklahoma City squad is seen as having the highest odds of taking home next year's Larry O'Brien Trophy.
Should these expectations ultimately be met, paying the luxury tax and adhering to the restrictions that come with being in the second apron will likely be seen as having been well worth it in the end.
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