dailyloe.com – The Oklahoma City Thunder face difficult roster decisions to avoid massive luxury tax penalties under the current CBA. According to Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, the team may part ways with guard Luguentz Dort to retain center Isaiah Hartenstein. Both players have vital roles but carry significant club option salaries for the upcoming season. This move would aim to keep the team’s core competitive while managing financial constraints.
Eric Pincus wrote that Dort and Hartenstein may find their team options declined. The Thunder are facing either monster luxury taxes or parting with one or both key players. Dort, as important as he is to the club, may be more expendable since Hartenstein can play alongside Chet Holmgren. The most likely path is for both to enter free agency, with the Thunder hoping to negotiate a longer, cheaper deal with Hartenstein.
Luguentz Dort has an $18.2 million club option for next season. He averages 8.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. Dort brings an All-Defensive skillset to the guard spot for Oklahoma City. His contract situation makes him a potential candidate to be released.
Isaiah Hartenstein holds a club option worth $28.5 million for the next season. He averages 9.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and one steal per game. Hartenstein can play next to Chet Holmgren or be his backup. Pincus argues Hartenstein brings more to the table than Dort, making Dort more likely to be cut.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have tried to create a dynasty with their current roster. They will not be able to hold it together unless they pay big in luxury taxes. The team must make some cuts to manage its financial outlook. Keeping the roster intact means they would have to pay the piper.[]
Source: Sporting News
