Feb. 2, 2026, 9:32 p.m. CT
As the Oklahoma City Thunder continue on their voyage to be hopeful back-to-back NBA champions, Monday was a cold reminder of how change will be inevitable with this group.
Lu Dort has signed with Klutch Sports Group as his agency. The sports business giant was founded by Rich Paul. Of course, his biggest client is LeBron James. Some other notable NBA players represented by them are Draymond Green, Anthony Davis, Tyrese Maxey and De’Aaron Fox.
If you follow the NBA at any level, you’ve probably heard of Klutch Sports. They’re arguably the most notorious and powerful agency group in the league. If you’re represented by them, fair to say you’re going to get paid.
Which brings us to why Dort likely made the move. He had an $18.2 million team option for the 2026-27 season. That said, the Thunder rarely enter the final year of someone’s contract if they’re interested in keeping you around.
Dort was eligible for a contract extension this past summer. The fact that nothing happened spoke pretty loudly of what the Thunder think of their long-term future together. Starting next season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams will balloon OKC’s payroll for the foreseeable future as all signed recent contract extensions.
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That puts the Thunder in a spot where they’ll likely need to shake up their roster. Dort has been one of the names mentioned. Isaiah Hartenstein is another, as he has a $28.5 million team option for the 2026-27 season. Cason Wallace will also be eligible for a contract extension this upcoming summer.
Considering Wallace’s ascension, it likely makes the most sense to graduate him as a full-time starter next season with a new deal. He’d be a seamless replacement for Dort, who is in his sixth season in OKC.
Dort has been one of OKC’s best developmental stories ever. He went from an undrafted player to being a starter on an NBA champion. He received his first All-Defense Team accolade last season. He’s averaged 8.6 points on 39% shooting, 3.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists this season. He’s shot 35% from 3 on 5.6 attempts.
Being a high-end perimeter defender is always in demand in the NBA market. Even if Dort can be a streaky shooter, he’s built up enough of a resume to get a payday. The sad reality is that cap space constraints will likely cause that to happen elsewhere.