The Oklahoma City Thunder must trim payroll to avoid the second apron, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s desires may be ruining Sam Presti’s plan. SGA said he’d let Presti work, but he also plans to lobby to keep Luguentz Dort in Oklahoma City. The Thunder don’t want to upset their superstar. Dort was the obvious player to move, but the two-time MVP may force Presti to change his plans.
Cason Wallace is ready for a larger role. He got more minutes than Dort in the conference finals, and Wallace made the All-Defensive team over Dort in 2026. It is time to make a change, but Dort is still an elite 3-and-D wing. The Thunder have a $17.7 million team option on his contract. There are still rumors about OKC trading Dort, which is a massive risk for the franchise.
Presti built an incredible young core of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, and James Harden before watching each player depart. He doesn’t want to risk a Durant repeat with SGA, but the organization might just be doing that by trading his countryman. Superstars are accustomed to being catered to, but his demand may ruin OKC’s plans.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander may be ruining the Thunder’s offseason plans
Oklahoma City has two problems. With max extensions for Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams kicking in, the Thunder are projected to be $28.5 million over the second tax apron. They already have 15 players under contract and two first-round draft picks. Presti has to trim their payroll and open up roster space to add any draft pick he makes.
Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, and Kenrich Williams are luxuries the Thunder can no longer afford. Williams will have his team option declined, but he could be brought back on a minimum contract. Presti will trade Joe and Wiggins. That will save more than $24 million, but won’t put OKC under the second apron.
Isaiah Hartenstein and Dort have team options. I-Hart is expected to return on a reworked contract that lowers his salary in the 2026-27 season. That may dip the Thunder below the second apron, but they still need room for their rookies.
It is why a Dort trade makes sense. Sending him packing opens minutes for Ajay Mitchell, Wallace, Jared McCain, and Alex Caruso in the backcourt. The Thunder would also be saving money and gaining draft capital to make future moves.
Does Presti stick with the plan and upset his superstar? That is a tough call. The Thunder could trade Jaylin Williams or try to convince Dort to take less money next season in exchange for a longer-term deal. The best roster-builder in the business left himself options, but turning them into reality won’t be easy.
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s offseason plans may be ruined by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wanting the franchise to keep Luguentz Dort. They still have the same problems. OKC needs to cut their spending and open up roster spots. Sam Presti will find the best course of action, but it may involve upsetting his star.
Difficult decisions must be made in the second apron era, and the Thunder are facing several this offseason. Stay tuned to see how it all shakes out.
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