Thunder weigh options on Dort, Hartenstein as salary decisions loom
thunder-roster-decisions-2026
Oklahoma City — The Thunder are expected to exercise Luguentz Dort’s $17.7 million team option for 2026-27 and then gauge his trade value, league sources told HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.
Executives around the NBA believe Oklahoma City will keep the defensive specialist on the books rather than let him walk for nothing. The Los Angeles Lakers, who are searching for perimeter stoppers, have already been linked to the 25-year-old wing, according to the report. Brooklyn could also emerge as a suitor because new Nets coach Jordi Fernández worked with Dort on the Canadian national team.
Dort’s minutes fell to 26.8 per game this season, and his scoring dipped below 10 points a night for the first time since his rookie campaign. Playing time shrank further in the postseason despite Jalen Williams’ lengthy injury absence. With Williams returning, rookie guard Ajay Mitchell’s rise, mid-season addition Jared McCain and the defensive tandem of Cason Wallace and Alex Caruso, minutes on the wing may be scarce next year.
Decision coming on Hartenstein
The Thunder also hold a $28.5 million option on starting center Isaiah Hartenstein. Scotto reports the club plans to retain him, but management must decide whether to pick up the option or decline it in favor of a multi-year deal at a lower annual number. ESPN’s Tim Bontemps said on the “Hoop Collective” podcast that a new long-term contract is the most likely outcome.
Other rotation pieces draw interest
Rival teams are monitoring sharpshooters Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins as Oklahoma City evaluates ways to keep future payroll in check, Scotto wrote. Joe is owed $11.32 million next season with a team option for the same amount in 2027-28. Wiggins’ deal pays $9 million in 2026-27, $8.2 million in 2027-28 and includes a team option for $8.2 million in 2028-29.
Forward Kenrich Williams, who carries a $7.2 million team option for 2026-27, could also become available if the Thunder seek additional savings. Several clubs would have interest should Oklahoma City decide to move him, per the report.
Wallace extension window opens
All-Defensive guard Cason Wallace becomes eligible for a rookie-scale extension this summer. Scotto noted that multiple teams have already contacted Oklahoma City about Wallace’s availability, anticipating strong demand if the 22-year-old reaches restricted free agency in 2027.
Source: HoopsRumors
