New NBA Rumors on Trade Buzz Around Alex Caruso, Isaiah Hartenstein, More Thunder Role Players

Only a year removed from lifting an NBA title, the Oklahoma City Thunder could face some dilemmas about their supporting cast this summer.

ESPN's Anthony Slater and Tim MacMahon reported Tuesday that guard Alex Caruso, center Isaiah Hartenstein and wing Luguentz Dort "all reiterated a desire to stay with the Thunder during their exit interviews."

Running it back could be tricky, however, with Oklahoma City set to exceed the second apron of the luxury tax.

Slater and MacMahon reported Caruso "is considered a firm member of the long-term core." His two-way ability is too valuable, and his $20.3 million average earnings is a manageable sum given his contributions.

Caruso's salary is also locked in, while Hartenstein and Dort both have club options. That forces the Thunder to make a choice, whether it's triggering the options or declining with an eye toward securing a long-term deal that lowers the cost for 2026-27.

According to Slater and MacMahon, Hartenstein is expected to return one way or the other since the 7-footer can help OKC counteract San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama in another playoff series.

The status of Dort "is considered murkier" on the other hand because Cason Wallace could be younger, cheaper internal replacement. Thunder star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander "privately intends to emphasize to management how much he values playing alongside Canadian countryman Dort," which could prove important.

The questions don't stop with Caruso, Hartenstein and Dort.

"Executives with other teams are also monitoring whether the Thunder could seek to trade other players to shed salary and limit the luxury tax bill — or simply make room on their roster," per ESPN.

Guards Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins and Kenrich Williams were all cited as complementary players who could be sacrificed as cost-cutting measures.

Under the old collective bargaining agreement, ownership's willingness to spend was the biggest variable to consider when projecting out the squad for a title contender. Now, even the owners who are willing to soar past the luxury tax have to countenance whether it's worth the consequences.

A franchise such as the Thunder that was seemingly set up so well not that long ago can quickly see its outlook shift in a big way.