I don’t think some Thunder fans understand, so let’s make this clear.
OKC made it clear with the Wiggins and Joe trades that they want to get under the 2nd Apron this upcoming season.
After exercising Dort’s option, the only way for OKC to get under the 2nd Apron would be to trade Sorber & Topic…and giving up on two players before you ever truly see them play is un Presti-like…BUT IT’S MORE THAN THAT:
Right now, a Cason Wallace extension would be around $27mil a year, but if he has another year like he had this past season, he could be worth a whole lot more than that after next season, and if OKC keeps Dort and starts Dort, you risk pissing Wallace off and losing him all together.
The only option that makes sense is to TRADE Dort and get under the 2nd Apron.
OKC cannot afford to waste an Apron year or give up on young talent to accommodate a player who USED TO BE a 3&D guy. OKC was playing 4on5 on offense in the playoffs because of Dort, and to be honest, he’s not the best defensive option like he used to be. Caruso and Wallace were much more trustworthy on both ends of the floor in the playoffs. OKC brings back a healthy Dub and Ajay as well, which is all the more reason to firmly believe OKC will be just as good on the defensive end, and considerably better on the offensive end WITHOUT Dort.
If OKC would have declined Dort’s option, there would’ve been $20+mil a year offers on the table from other teams immediately, and OKC could only afford to pay Dort $12mil a year. So OKC exercised Dort’s option to at least get something back in return for him.
This will be what is best for both parties.
Mark Daigneault on playing most of the series without Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell:
"We have not been an excuse team ever and we're not gonna start now."
"If we were taking the most available excuse at any point, we wouldn't be here."