Thunder Exercise Lu Dort's Team Option, Decline Kenrich Williams'
Confirming Justin Martinez's earlier report, the Thunder have picked up Lu Dort's $17.7MM team option for the 2026-27 season as expected. Oklahoma City declined Kenrich Williams' $7.2MM option, leaving the team with 14 of 15 roster spots filled ahead of free agency's opening bell tomorrow evening.
Whether the front office works out a deal to keep Kenrich--and/or move Dort--down the road remains to be seen. It's a rarity for the Thunder to keep a player on an expiring contract for a full season (Dort's status quo), and it would be a bummer for Kenny Hustle's tenure in OKC (dating back to the inaugural tank season in 2020-21) to end while he is still a serviceable veteran. Regardless, Williams enters the new fiscal year as an unrestricted free agent, while Dort enters as an Oklahoma City Thunder.
craymondfelton
In my case for running it (mostly) back after the banged up Thunder's quest for a title repeat fell short, I projected a model that left out Williams for a cheaper, younger option at the end of the roster. OKC doesn't have to fill the 15th slot if it doesn't want to, as 14 is the minimum roster count allowed by the CBA. Keeping that slot open would save them some luxury taxes, but it wouldn't buy any flexibility for their books since they are still well over the restrictive second apron.
Daily Thunder Staff
