In the offseason, the Thunder shocked the NBA when they traded Josh Giddey for Alex Caruso. After they traded for Caruso, the Thunder made it clear they wanted to keep him long-term. However, he wasn’t eligible to sign an extension until December 21st. According to reports, the Thunder have signed Caruso to a four-year, $81 million contract extension, which was the max he could receive. With this extension, it could affect the Thunder’s ability to retain other free agents down the road. This would include a possible Lu Dort extension in the next couple of years.
Dort has become a fan favorite amongst Thunder fans because of how he plays. He gives 100% effort on every play which is not something everyone in the NBA does. He is known for his defensive intensity and has quickly become one of the best defenders in the NBA. In addition, he has shown improvement with his shooting efficiency. However, with the Caruso extension, his days with the Thunder could be limited. Today we will examine why Lu Dort could be affected the most by this extension.
How Lu Dort Could Be Affected By Alex Caruso’s Extension
Lu Dort Could Want Something Similar or More
Dort has been a part of this team since they started with their successful rebuild. Along with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, they are the two players who built the culture that this Thunder team has. Dort is a player the Thunder would love to have around until he retires. However, the Caruso extension could make Dort staying long-term more challenging.
Dort has started in every game for the Thunder this season and is averaging 10.1 points per game. In addition, he has career-highs in three-point percentage, steals, and blocks. Compare that to Caruso who is averaging just 5.7 points per game. In addition, is having one of his worst seasons statistically shooting the ball. Dort is going to look at what Caruso received, and when he is due for an extension, he is likely to want something similar or more.
The 2026 Offseason is Even More Important
The 2026 offseason is going to be the most important one for this team. and it could determine how long they are championship contenders. During the 2026 offseason, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams will be restricted free agents. There is a possibility though that one, or both, sign extensions prior to hitting free agency. In addition, Isaiah Hartenstein and Dort both have team options, and other players will be free agents. This is essentially the offseason when the Thunder have to decide who they are keeping and who they are letting go.
Gilgeous-Alexander will be in the last year of his deal with a potential new contract extension kicking in after that. Holmgren and Williams are two players that the Thunder won’t let go and will most likely receive rookie max extensions. That means the Thunder will have four players making at least $20 million. That doesn’t leave enough money for Dort, Hartenstein, or others, especially under the new CBA rules.
Thunder’s Draft Picks Will Help
The good news for Thunder fans, and why they have one of the better futures in the NBA, is because of all the draft picks they have. The Thunder have 15 first-round picks and 17 second-round picks from 2025-2031. Those picks will help replenish any players they will lose in the future. However, it is not a guarantee they will be able to draft players that can replace a player like Dort or Hartenstein. Ultimately, given Sam Presti’s track record drafting players, the Thunder should feel optimistic about his ability to find future replacements for players they are unable to keep.
Last Word on Lu Dort Being Affected by Extension
Finally, the final results of the contract haven’t been disclosed yet. This means the last year could be non-guaranteed, or there could be a team option in there. If that is the case, that would increase their chances of being able to retain other key players such as Dort and Hartenstein. However, with Alex Caruso’s extension, Lu Dort’s days on the Thunder unfortunately could be numbered.
