Oklahoma City’s financial crunch makes the elite defender a prime trade candidate. Eastern Conference suitors like Charlotte and Chicago possess the draft capital and exceptions to strike.
The Thunder picked up Luguentz Dort’s $17.7 million team option, but they may trade him because of their financial strain. Shedding Dort’s salary allows Oklahoma City to duck the second apron even when accounting for the open roster spot that needs to be filled. Which teams are poised to acquire the veteran?
Charlotte Hornets
Despite enjoying their most successful season since 2016, the Hornets initiated a soft rebuild by trading LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges and Josh Green for Naz Reid, Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neale and draft capital. Charlotte moved off its volatile players and now possesses arguably the best hoard of future draft picks across the association.
The roster is still too good to tank, and the NBA’s lottery reforms also deter bottoming out. Therefore, the Hornets are not excluded from making veteran additions this offseason. Dort is an ideal target for Charlotte because it glaringly lacks perimeter defenders. Management also wants to reshape the team’s culture, and Dort has championship experience. The Hornets will create a $40.7 million Traded Player Exception once the Ball trade is finalized in July, so they can absorb Dort’s salary into this exception without sending any players back to the Thunder.
Meanwhile, Oklahoma City sheds Dort’s salary, sends him to the Eastern Conference and picks up more draft capital. Perhaps he goes for a few second-round picks or a heavily protected first-round pick? Either way, netting any amount of picks is a boon.
Chicago Bulls
The Bulls cleaned house after years of mediocrity and have been huge offseason winners thanks to the additions of Caleb Wilson, Dailyn Swain and Nic Claxton. Chicago still needs to bolster its perimeter defense and add three-point shooting. Dort checks the first box, as he remains an elite point-of-attack defender. If his efficiency bounces back, then the veteran also somewhat helps the shooting issue.
Chicago can use its $17.9 million TPE from the Kevin Huerter trade last season to acquire Dort without sending anyone back to the Thunder. This move hard-caps the Bulls at the first apron because they are using a TPE from the previous league year (unlike Charlotte). But it’s not a huge issue since Chicago should not cross the first apron threshold anyways.
Oklahoma City receives the same benefits: salary savings, draft capital and Dort resides in the East.
Other Potential Trade Partners
The Lakers are a logical fit, but it’s highly doubtful that the Thunder would send Dort to a rival in the West. Brooklyn and Washington could inquire about Dort’s services if they both want to speed up their rebuilds. It’s a long shot, though.
Overall, look for Dort to likely be traded to Charlotte or Chicago. They are perfect fits for everyone involved.
