Thunder Dump Luguentz Dort to Save $100 Million as Sam Presti Defends Cost-Cutting Move
Updated
Updated · hoopsrumors.com · Jul 20
Thunder Dump Luguentz Dort to Save $100 Million as Sam Presti Defends Cost-Cutting Move
3 articles · Updated · hoopsrumors.com · Jul 20
Summary
$100 million in projected salary and tax savings drove Oklahoma City's decision to send Luguentz Dort to Atlanta in a three-team deal for three second-round picks, Sam Presti said.
Presti said the move reflected an increasingly expensive roster, with savings from this summer and prior tax avoidance set to be reallocated to keep future Thunder teams competitive.
The deal also leaves Oklahoma City room to fill its 15th roster spot without crossing the second apron, though local reporting said luxury-tax relief—not apron restrictions—was the main motive.
Cason Wallace and Ajay Mitchell are expected to absorb bigger roles rather than directly replicate Dort, as Presti said the Thunder must adapt their style to new personnel.
Presti said financial pressure also forced offseason exits for Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe, underscoring how Oklahoma City's title-caliber core is now colliding with payroll limits.