NBA Insider Comments On Latest Lu Dort Development

The Oklahoma City Thunder are looking at a very promising upcoming NBA season.

However, how many times have we said that?

For a few years now, the Thunder have seemingly been on the verge of turning themselves around and finally being a presence in the Western Conference again.

But they continually fall short.

Yet, after a successful 2022 NBA Draft paired with the already-signed promising group at the team’s core, maybe they really will get it together this year.

This is an interesting confirmation from Sam Presti. OKC could have declined Dort's option, made him a RFA in July and controlled his free agency. Intsead, Dort will now be on a minimum deal and a UFA next summer, barring an extension. Will be trade eligible once TO is exercised. https://t.co/5yQbSVuNUl

— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) June 26, 2022

Lately, people have been wondering if guard Lu Dort will be part of the team’s future.

General Manager Sam Presti said that Dort will be playing for the Thunder this season with plans to be picked up again after that.

But with a minimum deal and his future as an unrestricted free agent next year, will Dort soon be heading out the door?

With Or Without Lu

Dort has only played for the Thunder and has been an important feature in the team’s slow rebuild.

He has averaged 13.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists since joining the squad back in 2019.

It’s only been a few years, but the team has undergone some big changes since Dort’s arrival, including rookie phenom Josh Giddey.

Some people have wondered if the Thunder were looking past Dort and planning a future without him.

Right now, it sounds like he’s sticking around – but the Thunder’s commitment sounds somewhat shaky.

We will see what these behind-the-scenes plans mean for Dort and the Thunder in the upcoming season.

There is a lot hanging in the balance right now.

OKC has been quietly building an arsenal of draft picks over the years and has been cashing in to create one of the youngest, most promising rosters in the league.

So, will that roster finally pay off?