Luguentz Dort is at a crucial juncture in his career as the Oklahoma City Thunder look to build on their recent success. After a championship-winning season, the Thunder are hoping for internal development, and a bounce-back year from Dort could be pivotal. The team is evaluating its roster for the upcoming season, and while there are rumors of potential trades, both Dort and the Thunder seem inclined to continue their partnership if the offseason aligns.
Dort's shooting performance has been a rollercoaster ride. He was a reliable shooter during the 2024 and 2025 seasons, hitting 39.4% and 41.2% of his three-point attempts, respectively. This shooting prowess was integral to the Thunder's rise to the top seed in the Western Conference. However, following their championship win, Dort's shooting percentage plummeted to 34.4% last season, reminiscent of his earlier years in the league.
The decline in his outside shooting, combined with the emergence of teammates like Alex Caruso and Cason Wallace, resulted in Dort playing the fewest regular season minutes per game since his rookie year. His postseason minutes also saw a significant drop, and he struggled further, shooting only 30.8% from beyond the arc. Despite remaining in the starting lineup, he was not utilized as a typical starter.
If the Thunder decide to retain Dort for his eighth NBA season, his defensive skills will continue to be a valuable asset. His ability to guard opposing stars is well-known, but for Dort to maintain a significant role, he must rediscover his shooting touch from the previous seasons. The Thunder will be counting on him to return to form as they aim for another deep playoff run.
As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Luguentz Dort to see if he can reclaim his status as a key contributor for the Thunder. His performance will be critical in shaping the team's success in the upcoming season.