Oklahoma City Thunder predicted to trade starter in cost-cutting move

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Oklahoma City Thunder predicted to trade starter in cost-cutting move originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Things will be tight financially for the Oklahoma City Thunder over the offseason, and they could be forced to jettison a starter as a result.

In a recent article for The Athletic, John Hollinger predicts that the Thunder will be forced to part with Lu Dort this summer via trade.

Thunder predicted to trade Lu Dort after picking up his team option​

Dort has a $17 million team option built into his contract for next season, and Hollinger thinks that the Thunder will pick up the option and then flip Dort for cap relief and draft capital.

"Here’s the thing: The Thunder can’t afford to keep him at this price, or any price, really, as they’re $28 million over next year’s second apron even without him, have ample depth at his position and need to make room on the roster for two more first-round picks," Hollinger wrote.

"I think they end up picking up the option just to trade him for a second-round pick or two. Either way, I have a hard time seeing him on the Thunder next year."

This story will be updated.

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