Overview
- Multiple outlets reported on Tuesday that ESPN’s Tim MacMahon learned Gilgeous-Alexander plans to privately tell GM Sam Presti how much he values teammate Lu Dort.
- Gilgeous-Alexander has also said publicly that he will not give input and will let Presti make roster decisions.
- Dort faces a $17.7 million club option for 2026–27 while center Isaiah Hartenstein carries a $28.5 million option, and keeping both would raise the Thunder’s luxury-tax exposure.
- Dort’s offensive slump in the 2026 playoffs reduced his minutes and market leverage, which has drawn interest from teams including the Lakers but also makes trade or re-sign paths more complex.
- The Thunder must weigh chemistry, cap math and Sam Presti’s preference for roster flexibility when deciding whether to exercise or decline the options, a choice that will shape the club’s summer moves and short-term payroll room.