Thunder: Oklahoma City is expected to exercise Lu Dort’s $17 million team option for 2025, then gauge the trade market for the veteran guard, according to John Hollinger of The Athletic. Hollinger noted the Thunder are already projected to be $28 million over next season’s second tax apron even without Dort, have “ample depth” on the wing and must clear roster spots for two incoming first-round picks. Moving the 25-year-old defender, who has started 423 regular-season games and 54 playoff contests since 2019 and earned First-Team All-Defense honors this year, would likely be aimed at securing draft assets and trimming payroll.
Hornets
The Hornets intend to keep much of the group that delivered their most encouraging campaign in years, wrote Roderick Boone of The Charlotte Observer. Guard Coby White, acquired at February’s trade deadline and controllable via full Bird rights, and center Moussa Diabate, on a team-friendly deal, are considered strong candidates to remain in Charlotte. Uncertainty surrounds several others, including Miles Bridges, Pat Connaughton, Josh Green, Tre Mann and Grant Williams. The front office is building around LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller and is evaluating complementary pieces for that young core.
Hawks
Atlanta’s off-season could head in one of two directions, outlined Keith Smith of Spotrac. The club can create up to $32 million in cap space and pursue free agents, or stay over the cap, re-sign its own players and seek upgrades via trade. Regardless of the route, additional size is a priority. Even if reserve center Jock Landale returns, Smith believes the Hawks will explore frontcourt depth, possibly using their two first-round selections in this month’s draft to address the need. With free agency approaching, the organization must soon choose which strategy best positions it for improvement.
Source: Hoops Wire
