Thunder Reportedly Make Decision on Lu Dort's $17.7M Contract Option Ahead of NBA Free Agency

The Oklahoma City Thunder reportedly picked up forward Lu Dort's $17.7 million team option for the 2026-27 season on Monday, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

Dort previously signed a five-year contract worth $87.5 million with the Thunder in June 2022.

The 27-year-old has spent his entire NBA career in Oklahoma City, as he initially joined the organization as an undrafted free agent in 2019.

Dort was immediately able to carve out a role on a Thunder squad that made the playoffs with a 44-28 record during his rookie season, although the team struggled afterwards and went 46-108 over the next two years combined.

Still, Dort continued to operate as a starter due to his defensive acumen and improved long-range shooting.

The Thunder eventually returned to the Western Conference playoff picture led by a core that included Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren to go along with Jalen Williams, while Dort also remained a factor.

Oklahoma City earned the No. 1 seed in the West in both 2024 and 2025, capturing a championship during the latter year. Dort averaged 10.1 points and 4.1 rebounds per game on 43.5/41.2/71.7 shooting splits during his 2024-25 campaign, earning All-Defensive First Team honors.

Last season, he was an effective piece of a Thunder group whose 106.5 defensive rating ranked No. 1 in the league (via NBA.com).

Dort recorded 8.3 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game while shooting 38.5 percent from the field and 34.4 percent from three-point territory during the regular season.

The Thunder eventually advanced to the Western Conference Finals before their season ended with a Game 7 loss to the San Antonio Spurs.

As they attempt to remain a contender in 2027, Dort won't be hitting free agency.