The Oklahoma City Thunder have tried to create a dynasty with their present roster, and thus far, it seems like they’ve finished it. However, with the present CBA in place, they received’t have the opportunity to maintain it collectively except they’re prepared to pay up huge time in luxurious taxes and different penalties.
With that in thoughts, they’re going to have to make some cuts. Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus believes that two stars on the chopping block are Luguentz Dort and Isaiah Hartenstein, though he predicts the Thunder will half methods with Dort to keep their huge man.
“Dort ($18.2 million) and Hartenstein ($28.5 million) may also find their team option declined. The Thunder are facing either monster luxury taxes or parting with one or both of their key players. Dort, as important as he is to the club, may be more expendable since Hartenstein can play alongside Holmgren, or in his place should the All-Star big man sit out games with injury. The most likely path is for both players to be pushed into unrestricted free agency, with the Thunder hoping to negotiate a longer, but initially cheaper, deal with Hartenstein,” Pincus wrote.
Both players are vital to OKC’s roster. Dort averages 8.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, but he brings an All-Defensive skillset to the guard spot. Hartenstein averages 9.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and one steal per game, with the ability to come in next to Chet Holmgren or be his backup.
Dort has an $18.2 million club option for subsequent season, whereas Hartenstein has a club option for $28.5 million. It’s a lot more, but he arguably brings more to the table than Dort, making it probable Dort gets the boot.
Hopefully, the Thunder have an idea of what to do. While they would like to keep their roster, that means they would have to pay the piper.
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