Lu Dort shows love to Thunder fans ahead of offseason: 'It's been amazing'
· Yahoo Sports
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If this is the end of the road for Lu Dort and the Oklahoma City Thunder, then the former will go down as one of their greatest success stories in franchise history. Added as an undrafted rookie, he's carved out a remarkable career that not even the biggest optimists could've dreamed of.
Dort has a $17.7 million team option for the 2026-27 season. And considering the Thunder have had the chance to sign him to a new deal since last summer, I think the writing is on the wall about his future in OKC. Seeing his playing time dwindle due to dull defense and poor outside shooting, it feels like both sides are heading toward an inevitable divorce.
As emotionally difficult as that might be, it's likely the best move for both sides. The Thunder have a replacement waiting in the wings in Cason Wallace. He's also eligible for a contract extension for the first time this offseason. Considering his breakout year as an All-Defense Team member, the 22-year-old is ready for a full-time starting gig.
And for Dort, it'd be unfair to ask him to take a team-friendly deal or downsize in role. Even with his down season, there'd surely be a market for him among contenders desperately needing to fortify their defense — cough, cough, the Los Angeles Lakers.
After the Thunder fell in a Game 7 loss to the San Antonio Spurs in the 2026 Western Conference Finals, Dort iterated several times that being in OKC is where he wants to be. It makes sense to feel that way. But sometimes, other factors just don't make that a feasible option. Regardless of what happens, he spoke highly of his relationship with Thunder fans.
"Just imagining me at 20 years old when I came here first and the person I am today is totally different. Just the way that this organization shapes you on the court and off the court as a man, how to be professional, and also just the love that we get from this city and our fans," Dort said. "There's nowhere I would go around the city where I don't get reminded that I'm a Thunder player and people are so happy to see me."
Can't help but get a little teary-eyed hearing Dort's comments in his exit interview. Knowing it's likely the last time he talks to the media as a Thunder player. Say what you want about how moving on makes the most basketball sense, it doesn't make it any less of an emotional gutpunch to see him go elsewhere. Especially since he's tied with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as the longest-tenured player on the team.
Dort has had a firsthand experience of seeing the Thunder go from a rebuild to an NBA champion. It's been synonymous with his individual journey. To see another key piece of their 2025 championship-winning squad go elsewhere is the latest cold reminder that this league is a results-oriented business. Nobody is ever in one spot for the longest.
Doesn't mean the memories you make suddenly disappear or hold less value, though.
"It's been amazing," Dort said. "And I'm still enjoying it."
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Lu Dort shows love to Thunder fans ahead of offseason: 'It's been amazing'