Having a « team option » in order to keep Luguentz Dort for another year, the Thunder are considering activating it. An extension at a low price, while OKC could lock up one of the key elements of its reconstruction for several seasons. If the trend is confirmed, it will be necessary to manage the file in the months to come, to avoid a Free Agency 2023 placed under the sign of the big boom.
The days pass and the discussions around the Luguentz Dort file are activated. Through its GM Sam Presti, the Thunder announced its desire to activate the team option from his back. The bulldog could therefore continue to bring hell to the opposing back lines in the 2022-23 season. What would this mean? « team option » ? A one-year extension with a slightly increased salary since the Quebecer would now receive $ 1.9 million, against 1.7 million in 2021-2022. But when we see his progress since his arrival in the NBA – and therefore his excellent performance on the floor – the Thunder would make an excellent move.. Although he had to end his season in March because of a sore shoulder, Lulu still weighed 17.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 52 games. And we haven’t yet talked about his defensive impact – the keystone of his game – nor his correct 3-point address (33%), which build his reputation as a complete player. All this, not even two million dollars a season? It’s a gift that – as reported Brandon Rahbar from Daily Thunder – Sam Presti is about to open.
“We have an option on this contract. Our plan is to exercise it. Everyone knows what we think of Luguentz and what he means to our team. That said, it will be free agent next season and we can discuss this with him afterwards. –Sam Presti, General Manager you Thunder
If the operation allows the Thunder to maintain a financial margin to build its 2022-23 workforce, the decision of the management can be called into question in the medium term. Presti and his collaborators can lock the player in this summer by offering him a better contract. Undrafted, Dort had to fight for his chance in the NBA, but he proved he deserved more than his current salary. He now has an important place in the Thunder project and would surely deserve an upgraded deal this summer. The choice of the franchise seems oriented towards patience in ensuring a new season of profit. Knowing that Lulu will be free to commit wherever he wants in the summer of 2023, Presti has an interest in being convincing if he does not want to be overtaken by other, more competitive franchises, whose ambitions would fit perfectly with Dort’s services.
But be careful not to underestimate the Thunder project, by its present dedicated to tanking, while its future looks golden. Surrounded by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey and now Chet Holmgren, the Canadian rear will inevitably have the opportunity to win in the coming seasons. He knows it and seems attached to this project.
The Thunder want to keep Luguentz Dort for next season, but beware of the gamble, because of this potential risk of player option medium term. If it is activated, it will be necessary to negotiate with great consideration in the coming months, so as not to lose an essential cog in the project.
Source : Daily Thunder, Spotrac