Updated

Updated · The New York Times · Jun 24

Thunder Draft 7-Foot-3 Aday Mara at No. 12 as Frontcourt Logjam Fuels Trade Questions

Updated

Updated · The New York Times · Jun 24

Thunder Draft 7-Foot-3 Aday Mara at No. 12 as Frontcourt Logjam Fuels Trade Questions

Q: With a massive tax bill looming, which star from the Thunder's championship core will be the first to go?

Lu Dort looks like the most likely first casualty of Oklahoma City’s looming tax crunch. The clearest evidence is contractual. Dort has a $17.7 million team option for 2026-27, and multiple reports indicate the Thunder are expected to decline it as they try to get out from a payroll projected well above the second apron. That makes him the most immediate and realistic core-piece departure, even if the team later tries to bring him back on a cheaper deal. Aday Mara’s arrival strengthens that logic indirectly. By adding a cost-controlled first-round center, the Thunder gain more flexibility around expensive veterans such as Isaiah Hartenstein, whose $28.5 million option is also under pressure. But Hartenstein is more often framed as a restructure candidate than a clean break. Dort, by contrast, is the player most explicitly tied to an expected option decline. If the question is about a confirmed first move rather than the biggest name, Aaron Wiggins has already reportedly been dealt to Atlanta. But Wiggins is not the “star” of the championship core in the way Dort is viewed inside Oklahoma City’s rotation and identity. As for the true top stars, the stronger reporting says Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren remain the franchise core. Trade ideas involving Williams or Holmgren exist, but they are speculative. The practical, near-term answer is Dort.

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 24

No. 12 pick Aday Mara gives Oklahoma City a 7-foot-3 center who averaged 12.1 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.6 blocks in Michigan’s title-winning season.
Mara’s appeal is his rare mix of size and feel — a 7-foot-6 wingspan, 9-foot-9 standing reach and high-level passing for a center — while his rim protection could pair with Chet Holmgren.
The immediate question is fit: the Thunder already have Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, Jaylin Williams and 2025 first-round center Thomas Sorber, prompting speculation a trade could follow.
His limitations are also clear. Mara played about 23 minutes a game at Michigan, projects best in drop coverage and still must improve conditioning, perimeter mobility and shooting.
Oklahoma City’s bet is that a late-lottery talent was too good to pass up, even if unlocking him requires a specific scheme and reshaping an already crowded frontcourt.