Report: OKC exercises Luguentz Dort option

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.

Oklahoma City recently dealt Aaron Wiggins to the Hawks for picks, and Joe is the latest in a series of moves to clear cap space. Lu Dort is another name to keep an eye on as the Thunder look to shed salary. In the meantime, the absences of Wiggins and Joe should mean more run for Ajay Mitchell and Jared McCain, two players who had strong postseason performances. Joe’s fantasy stock is on the rise in Detroit, as he could be a starter or Sixth Man thanks to his elite floor-spacing abilities.

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.

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.

Caruso did not play in Thursday’s win over the Lakers, while Dort injured his back during the third quarter and did not return. Their ability to practice is certainly encouraging, with the Thunder facing the Jazz on Sunday.

Dort came out scalding hot, shooting 5-of-5 from the field in the first quarter and producing 14 points and four three-pointers. He didn’t score again, but the Thunder are more concerned about the back injury he suffered in the third quarter. Dort’s layup attempt was blocked by Lakers’ forward Jake LaRavia, with the momentum sending the Thunder wing crashing to the court. Dort walked back to the locker room during a timeout moments later and did not return. The game was a blowout, so it made no sense for him to return regardless of the injury’s severity. Still, this is something to watch with the playoffs on the horizon.

In his prior five appearances, Dort shot a combined 6-of-33 from the field overall and 5-of-26 from beyond the arc. To say he needed a night like Wednesday would be a serious understatement. Dort was 4-of-6 from deep against the Celtics. While the defensive production was limited, category-league managers will take the three-point production, which has not always been there for Dort.

The initial lineup announced by the Thunder had Williams coming off the bench in his first game since February 11. He will start, with Cason Wallace heading to the bench. The other change is Dort, who’s back after a one-game absence. He’ll step into the void left by Ajay Mitchell, who’s serving a one-game suspension after being ejected from Saturday’s win over the Wizards for his role in a second-quarter altercation.

Dort will return to the rotation and the starting lineup on Monday, joining the usual four starters in his first game back following a two-game absence. The Thunder has been the league’s hottest team, and will have a chance to earn a 12th consecutive win on Monday. They enter with the NBA’s best record.