Shai Gilgeous-Alexander plans to privately urge Oklahoma City Thunder management to retain Luguentz Dort this offseason, sources familiar with his thinking told ESPN, even as the franchise's rapidly escalating payroll makes every roster decision more financially fraught.

Dort, who shares the distinction of being the longest-tenured Thunder player alongside Gilgeous-Alexander, holds a team option of $18.2 million for next season. His future is considered less certain than that of other core pieces, in part because of Cason Wallace's emergence as a potential starting-caliber replacement at a position of overlap.

The Thunder are considered unlikely to decline their option on Dort even if it were to theoretically lead to a trade because he has value around the NBA on that contract number.

Despite publicly declaring he would offer zero personnel input to general manager Sam Presti, Gilgeous-Alexander privately values his bond with fellow Canadian Dort and intends to make that known to the front office, sources said. Dort's decision to switch representation to Klutch Sports' Mike George this season suggests he is unlikely to accept a team-friendly arrangement.

Oklahoma City's combined salary for Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren rises from $58.5 million this season to $123.8 million next year and $150.8 million in 2027-28. The team's total projected payroll of $250.5 million next season sits well beyond the second apron, triggering a potential luxury tax bill exceeding $200 million.

Dort addressed reporters following Oklahoma City's Game 7 loss to San Antonio and stated his desire to remain with the Thunder, a sentiment Gilgeous-Alexander appears intent on supporting behind the scenes.