NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 10: Derrick Favors #15, Luguentz Dort #5, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2, Darius Bazley #7 and Kenrich Williams #34 of the Oklahoma City Thunder react during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center on November 10, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
5 roster moves the Oklahoma City Thunder need to make this offseason
Feb 9, 2022; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Luguentz Dort (5) and Toronto Raptors guard Gary Trent Jr. (33) play for the ball during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
The Oklahoma City Thunder are a team that is rebuilding after two massive jolts to their roster. First, Kevin Durant left after they lost in the Western Conference Finals to the Golden State Warriors. Then the Thunder lost another quality player in Paul George after he demanded a trade to the LA Clippers.
The inevitable was delayed by a season when the Thunder had their dream run after trading for Chris Paul in an effort to get Russell Westbrook his best opportunity to win a championship. It can be said that this was the start of the rebuild, as Paul spent the season mentoring the future of the Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The team’s general manager Sam Presti then accumulated an incredible amount of draft picks in the ensuing fire sale. He now has the opportunity to develop this haul, with the players already on the roster, into a very good basketball team.
Offseason moves the Oklahoma City Thunder need to make: 1. Guarantee Luguentz Dort
It is hard to believe that the defensive leader of the OKC Thunder is still on a non-guaranteed deal for next season. Luguentz Dort went undrafted before the Thunder signed him to a two-way deal, before converting it after Dort showed his incredible passion and desire on the defensive end of the court.
Dort has also worked hard on his offense and is one of the leading lights on the team. He is only due $1.9 million next season and the Thunder would be well served to guarantee Dort and start working on his next deal to keep him within the franchise.
