Thunder Look to Replace Lu Dort in Starting Lineup

Sam Presti pulled the trigger on a three‑team deal that sent Lu Dort to Atlanta, ending the seven‑year veteran’s tenure with Oklahoma City. The move came because Dort was in the final year of his contract and the Thunder were unlikely to match a market offer. In its place, OKC now has a group of young players who could fill the gap left by the defensive stalwart.

Jared McCain: Proven Scorer

Jared McCain arrived from Philadelphia mid‑last season and quickly proved the 76ers had misjudged his potential. The Duke guard starred in the Western Conference Finals, dropping 24 points in game 3 and 20 in game 4 against the Spurs after Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander was neutralized. His ability to produce under pressure makes him the most reliable scorer in the mix for the starting spot.

• College: Duke – drafted for his scoring touch and playmaking.
• OBK impact: 24 pts in WCF game 3, 20 pts in game 4.
• Role: Primary offensive option when the ball moves away from SGA.

Ajay Mitchell: Emerging Playmaker

Ajay Mitchell stepped into a prominent role for the 2025‑26 Thunder, averaging 13.6 points per game and serving as a secondary ball‑handler to SGA. The 6‑foot‑4 guard from UC Santa Barbara showed he can run the offense when Gilgeous‑Alexander missed time due to an abdominal strain in February. His length and season‑long consistency give him a solid case for the starting guard spot.

• Stats: 13.6 pts, secondary PG for OKC.
• Breakout season: Consistent full‑season performance after rookie year.
• Impact: Ready to carry offensive load during SGA injuries.

Cason Wallace: Defensive dynamo

Cason Wallace, now in his fourth season with the Thunder, has become a night‑in‑night‑out defender, averaging nearly two steals per game and hitting 35 % from three‑point range. The former top‑tier defensive specialist thrives in the up‑tempo system favored by coach Mark Daigneault and can guard the opponent’s best wing player. While he’s been effective off the bench, adding him to the starting five would complement SGA, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams.

• Defense: ~2 steals per game, elite on‑ball pressure.
• Shooting: 35 % from deep, creates spacing.
• Fit: Aligns with Daigneault’s fast‑paced, defensive identity.

With three players of varying strengths battling for one spot, the Thunder finally have a luxury problem after moving on from Dort. Each option brings a different flavor—scoring, playmaking, or defensive intensity—meaning the eventual starter will be whichever fit best for Oklahoma City’s playoff run. This shift also signals a broader re‑tooling, giving younger talent more meaningful minutes as the franchise looks toward its next championship window.