In this new era of crippling tax penalties, NBA teams are forced to make harsh decisions about how they choose to spend their money. For the OKC Thunder, next summer, they'll be met with the devastating choice of committing to either Lu Dort or Cason Wallace for the long haul -- not both.
In the 2026 offseason, the two guards will be eligible for contract negotiations. Considering Oklahoma City is currently beelining it to the second apron as is after their summer spending spree, the club will be forced to cut costs in any way they can to ultimately duck under said threshold, which, in turn, should spell trouble for the aforementioned talks.