Thunder news: Cason Wallace opens up about stepping into Lu Dort's role
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OKLAHOMA CITY — After the Oklahoma City Thunder traded Lu Dort to the Atlanta Hawks over the summer, many assumed it would pave a way for Cason Wallace to become a starting guard alongside two-time MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in 2026-27. Entering training camp, Wallace is eligible for a lucrative contract extension, which could reach north of $108 million before the upcoming season.
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With an opportunity to earn a permanent starting role for Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault, Wallace discussed his desire to be promoted at Media Day on Monday.
“It’s not on the front of my mind, honestly,” Wallace said. “First we gotta get out there as a team. Once we start gelling together, Mark [Daigneault], you know, changes the lineups here and there. So, whenever he puts me out there, I’m going to put my best foot forward.”
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Cason Wallace when asked about taking Lu Dort’s place in the Thunder’s starting lineup: “It’s not on the front of my mind, honestly. First, we gotta get out there as a team. Once we start gelling together.
You know Mark; he changes lineups here and there. Whenever he puts me… pic.twitter.com/az4ARUiJv0
— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) September 28, 2026
Cason Wallace started in 58 games for the Thunder last season, mostly in place of Jalen Williams, who spent most of the 2025-26 campaign on the sideline nursing hamstring injuries. Wallace, who started in 43 games the season prior, would typicially get the nod whenever Daigneault elected to go with a smaller lineup to make up for a missing starter in his frontcourt.
As for reaching a deal on a potential extension ahead of the October 19 deadline, Wallace isn’t focused on the business side of things ahead of his fourth season with the Thunder.
“That’s between my agent and Sam [Presti],” Wallace said. “I’m just here to get better and win games.”
Cason Wallace when asked about his potential contract extension ahead of the 2026-27 Thunder season: “That’s between my agent and Sam.
“I’m just here to get better, and win games” pic.twitter.com/eeDtXKwkoN
— Josue Pavón (@Joe_Sway) September 28, 2026
Although Wallace isn’t losing sleep on whether the Thunder will re-sign him before the 2026-27 regular season or next summer, he did congratulate Utah Jazz’s Keyonte George, who inked a whopping five-year, $157.5 million extension during the offseason.
“Shoutout to my boy Keyonte,” Wallace said with a laugh. “Shoutout, Key. I seen him in Fort Worth; we were just chopping it up. We grew up together, so, seeing him sign a big contract; I was excited for him.”
Coming off a season where Wallace earned All-Defensive Second Team honors while averaging career-bests in points (8.6), assists (2.6), and steals (1.9) per game, some say Cason could command a $33 million annual salary.
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