The Oklahoma City Thunder just traded Lu Dort to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team deal. The intent? To shed salary and get under the second apron. They succeeded in that goal, but next year, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s pay raise may force the Thunder to make a similar decision with Cason Wallace, who will be in line for an extension.
Dort was a staple in OKC. But the Thunder ended up having to trade him because of the new CBA and, more specifically, the second apron. SGA’s salary is going up around $20 million next year, meaning the Thunder will be over the second apron once again. And if they want to duck under, they’ll have to make a cut similar to the one they mdae with Dort.
Not extending Wallace won’t fully solve the Thunder’s problem, as they’ll still be over the second apron, but he may be the clear place to start.
SGA's contract may force Thunder to let Cason Wallace go next summer
Wallace has blossomed into a great played for the Thunder in recent years. This year, he was even named to an All-Defensive team. In an ideal world, the Thunder could keep him around.
But he’s entering the final year of his contract. He’s due a new contract extension, and based on how young he is and the potential he’s shown, Wallace is definitely going to want a pay day.
After the Thunder’s Game 7 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, he effectively admitted as much. He hinted at the fact that he’s not completely committed to OKC. He probably wants a larger role elsewhere at this point.
So, with SGA’s salary jumping up by around $20 million, the Thunder are going to be in the exact same position next year in regard to the CBA and staring down the second apron.
This year, the Thunder shipped out Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe. That was their start. That helped them get closer to getting under the second apron, which was their obvious goal.
Dort was just the nail in the coffin. The final moving piece that was needed to officially help the Thunder duck under the mark. But that only solves the issue for them this summer.
Next summer, they’re going to have to make similar decisions. Pieces as integral to OKC’s success as Dort will have to go. And Wallace will likely end up being one of them.
SGA’s contract pay raise will likely put the Thunder in a position where they will have to let Wallace walk (or trade him before next offseason).
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