Whether he becomes a free agent or hits the trade market, Luguentz Dort is a player the Nets should keep a close eye on. His defense, championship experience, and connection to Jordi Fernandez make him an intriguing fit.
Should the Brooklyn Nets Pursue Luguentz Dort?
The Brooklyn Nets have spent the last year getting younger, but that doesn't mean they should ignore proven veterans if the right opportunity presents itself.
One player worth keeping an eye on is Luguentz Dort.
Whether the Oklahoma City Thunder decline his $17.7 million team option and allow him to hit free agency or exercise it and explore trade options, as rival executives reportedly expect, Brooklyn should be among the teams interested.
If you only look at the box score, it's easy to overlook what Dort brings. His biggest impact comes on the defensive end, where he's consistently tasked with guarding the opposing team's best perimeter player.
Who Is Luguentz Dort?
Dort has spent all seven seasons of his NBA career with the Thunder after entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2019. Since then, he's developed into one of the league's best perimeter defenders, earning NBA All-Defensive First Team honors in 2025 while playing a major role in Oklahoma City's rise to an NBA championship.
From a scoring standpoint, his best season came in 2021-22 when he averaged a career-high 17.2 points per game. His scoring average has declined each season since then as the Thunder added more offensive talent, but that's largely a reflection of his changing role rather than a steep decline in his ability.
This past season, his minutes dropped to 26.8 per game, and he averaged under 10 points for the first time since his rookie year. Even so, Oklahoma City continued to trust him with the toughest defensive assignments.
The Jordi Fernandez Connection
There's already a relationship in place between Dort and Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez.
Fernandez has coached Dort with the Canadian national team, giving him firsthand insight into how he approaches the game. That familiarity could make the Nets a team to watch if Dort becomes available.
Having already coached Dort, Fernandez wouldn't be guessing about the type of player he'd be bringing into Brooklyn.
Why He Makes Sense for Brooklyn
The Nets have plenty of young players with upside, but not many veterans who have experienced winning at the highest level.
That's something Dort would bring from day one.
Championship experience isn't something many players on Brooklyn's roster have. Dort won a title with Oklahoma City in 2025 and could provide valuable leadership for a young group still finding its footing. He's built a reputation as a physical defender who isn't afraid to take on the opponent's best scorer, and that kind of mentality can rub off on younger teammates.
Brooklyn also doesn't need another player who requires the ball in his hands. Dort is comfortable doing the dirty work, defending, hustling for loose balls, setting the tone with his effort, and making open shots when they're there.
Those players are valuable on any roster.
Will Oklahoma City Move On?
Nothing suggests the Thunder are eager to part ways with Dort.
In fact, he recently made it clear he'd like to remain in Oklahoma City.
"The conversation hasn't happened yet. I have a lot of trust in this organization, in Sam. I'm really grateful for everything he's done 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."
Still, Oklahoma City has one of the deepest rosters in the league. With Jalen Williams back healthy, plus Alex Caruso, Cason Wallace, Ajay Mitchell, and Jared McCain all competing for minutes on the perimeter, Dort has become a logical name to surface in trade discussions.
Final Thoughts
There's no guarantee Luguentz Dort ever becomes available.
But if Oklahoma City decides to move him, the Nets should absolutely make a call.
A veteran with championship experience, an All-Defensive First Team selection on his resume, an existing relationship with Jordi Fernandez, and a reputation as one of the league's toughest defenders is exactly the type of player who could help Brooklyn's young roster take another step forward.
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