Shams: Isaiah Joe traded to Pistons

Thunder GM Sam Presti continues to restructure his roster, and instead of declining Dort’s team option, he has found a new home for him in Atlanta. Dort will be another strong defender for Atlanta, alongside Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Kingston Flemings on the perimeter. Dort will have a chance to fill in as a starter on the wing, though he should at least play a significant role off the bench.

The former No. 1 overall pick wasn’t able to figure things out in Atlanta, but he’ll get a fresh start in Dallas. With Masai Ujiri and Mike Schmitz running the show for the Mavs, they have rebuilt this roster around Cooper Flagg by adding multiple new players in the frontcourt, including Risacher, Santi Aldama and Morez Johnson. Risacher’s role will likely be limited off the bench to start his tenure with Dallas, though a fresh start on a rebuilding team could yield him the opportunity to develop into the player the Hawks hoped he would become. The three second-round picks heading to OKC are Chicago’s 2027 pick from Dallas and most favorable picks in 2031 and 2032 from Atlanta.

Dort entered the offseason with a team option worth $17.7 million, and there were questions about whether his time in Oklahoma City would come to an end. That’s still a possibility, but the Thunder’s ability to move Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe via trade may bode well for Dort and his chances of remaining with the only NBA franchise he’s played for. Due to the limited offensive production, his fantasy ceiling has been limited, and that may not change next season, especially if Ajay Mitchell and Jared McCain play more minutes.

Oweh played two seasons at Oklahoma before transferring to Kentucky, with the 2025-26 season being his most productive. In 36 games, the 6-foot-5 guard averaged 18.6 points, 4.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.3 three-pointers, shooting 46.5 percent from the field and 73.1 percent from the foul line. While Oweh’s perimeter shot needs some work, he’s a power guard capable of getting to the basket off the dribble or knocking down mid-range shots. Having his draft rights traded to the Thunder makes for an interesting opportunity for Oweh. With Luguentz Dort possessing a team option for next season, playing time could be freed up if Oklahoma City moves the veteran stopper. Oweh is not at that level as a defender, but he has a pro-ready body and could help fill the void if Oklahoma City moves on from Dort.

The Pistons have been linked to nearly every available shooter this offseason. Prior to the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade, it was believed that Powell would re-sign with the Heat. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported Tuesday morning that Powell isn’t going to re-sign with Miami barring a “crazy discount.” With Powell seemingly available now, it’s no surprise that Detroit will at least kick the tires on the 33-year-old All-Star. The Pistons will continue to look to add shooting and playmaking around its core this offseason and Powell could factor into those plans. Stein and Fischer report Detroit is also interested in Tyler Herro, Coby White and Isaiah Joe.

Oklahoma City’s season came to an end on Saturday, as they dropped Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals to the Spurs. And with that, the front office has decisions to make regarding the futures of Dort, Isaiah Hartenstein and Kenrich Williams. Each has a team option for next season, with Dort’s being worth a little over $17.7 million. The defensive stalwart hopes to remain with the lone team that he’s played for since entering the NBA in 2019. “The conversation hasn’t happened yet,” Dort said when asked about his team option. “I have a lot of trust in this organization, in Sam (Presti). Really grateful for all the stuff he did for me to this point. I want to stay here. This organization, this city, shaped me as a player. My main goal is to stay here.” Dort has not been a consistently impactful option for fantasy managers in recent seasons. Still, his future in Oklahoma City could affect the ceilings of Ajay Mitchell, Cason Wallace and Jared McCain. If the Thunder were to move on from Dort, there would be an opening in the starting lineup to fill.

After calling on Jared McCain to serve as the fifth starter in Games 5 and 6, the Thunder turn to Wallace to fill the void left by Jalen Williams (hamstring). The third-year guard started Game 4, logging 21 minutes and finishing with five points, four rebounds, one assist, two steals and one three-pointer. Wallace will look to offer greater production on Saturday, with the winner headed to the NBA Finals. Despite moving to the bench, McCain will still figure prominently in the Thunder rotation.

Saturday’s series finale will be the fourth consecutive game that Mitchell has missed since straining his right calf during Game 3 of the Western Conference Finals. Jalen Williams (hamstring) is also out for Game 7, which means the Thunder will once again lean heavily on Jared McCain. Alex Caruso and Isaiah Joe also have added importance due to the absences.

After missing Games 3, 4 and 5 of the Western Conference Finals, J-Dub made his return to action in Thursday’s Game 6. The forward came off the bench and looked like a shell of himself in the 10 minutes that he played. With Ajay Mitchell (calf) also out, Jared McCain will remain in the starting lineup. After scoring 20 points in Game 5, McCain was limited to 13 in Game 6.

Williams hasn’t played since injuring his hamstring in Game 2 of the series. He was questionable again for Game 6, but was ultimately ruled in. Jared McCain had 20 points in Game 5 and will start again. Williams won’t start and it’s unclear how many minutes the Thunder might allow him to play off the bench.