Thunder veteran’s future in serious jeopardy amid internal advancements

Jan 4, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Luguentz Dort (5) against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesIt's February, and the OKC Thunder are struggling to find enough healthy bodies to put on the court. Fortunately for them, they can afford a bit of a rut, as they still sit firmly atop the Western Conference at 40-13.

Oddly enough, the absence of star players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Ajay Mitchell has been a bit of a blessing in disguise for the club, as the Thunder have been able to gather a lot of intel about what the rest of their roster looks like when…