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Thunder predicted to cut ties with $82.5 million NBA champion, All-Defensive guard in order to keep Isaiah Hartenstein on roster
TL;DR
The Oklahoma City Thunder are expected to cut Luguentz Dort to retain Isaiah Hartenstein on their roster due to financial constraints under the current CBA. This decision comes as the team faces significant luxury tax penalties.
Thunder predicted to cut ties with $82.5 million NBA champion, All-Defensive guard in order to keep Isaiah Hartenstein on roster originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Oklahoma City Thunder have tried to create a dynasty with their current roster, and so far, it looks like they've done it. However, with the current CBA in place, they won’t be able to hold it together unless they’re ready to pay up big time in luxury taxes and other penalties.
With that in mind, they’re going to have to make some cuts. Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus believes that two stars on the chopping block are Luguentz Dort and Isaiah Hartenstein, although he predicts the Thunder will part ways with Dort to keep their big man.
“Dort ($18.2 million) and Hartenstein ($28.5 million) may also find their team option declined. The Thunder are facing either monster luxury taxes or parting with one or both of their key players. Dort, as important as he is to the club, may be more expendable since Hartenstein can play alongside Holmgren, or in his place should the All-Star big man sit out games with injury. The most likely path is for both players to be pushed into unrestricted free agency, with the Thunder hoping to negotiate a longer, but initially cheaper, deal with Hartenstein,” Pincus wrote.
Both players are vital to OKC’s roster. Dort averages 8.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game, but he brings an All-Defensive skillset to the guard spot. Hartenstein averages 9.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and one steal per game, with the ability to come in next to Chet Holmgren or be his backup.
Dort has an $18.2 million club option for next season, while Hartenstein has a club option for $28.5 million. It’s a lot more, but he arguably brings more to the table than Dort, making it probable Dort gets the boot.
Hopefully, the Thunder have an idea of what to do. While they would like to keep their roster, that means they would have to pay the piper.
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Q&A
Why is the Oklahoma City Thunder considering cutting Luguentz Dort?
The Thunder are considering cutting Luguentz Dort to manage their roster financially and avoid high luxury tax penalties while retaining Isaiah Hartenstein.
What is the financial impact of keeping Isaiah Hartenstein for the Thunder?
Keeping Isaiah Hartenstein will likely lead the Thunder to incur substantial luxury tax penalties, prompting them to make cuts to their roster.
What are the contract values for Luguentz Dort and Isaiah Hartenstein?
Luguentz Dort's contract is valued at $18.2 million, while Isaiah Hartenstein's contract is worth $28.5 million.
