The Oklahoma City Thunder have been the kings of depth over the last few seasons, especially when it came to perimeter defenders. From Alex Caruso to Cason Wallace to Lu Dort to Aaron Wiggins, the Thunder have had an embarrassment of riches in that area.
However, the bill always comes due in the NBA, and for OKC, that is going to be the case. They are set to soar over the second apron next year, provided that they do not make any changes. Sam Presti is known to be meticulous with every move, so definitely expect him to tweak the roster aftercoming up short in the Western Conference Finals.
While the core group of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren will be together next season, the pieces surrounding them are going to be very different. There is one priority though that should be at the top of the Thunder’s list.
OKC has to do whatever it takes to keep Cason Wallace, but could be forced to let him go
Wallace’s comments at his exit interview today were interesting, saying that he is prioritizing getting better this offseason when asked about coming back. He sounded like a guy ready for a bigger role and rightfully so.
Wallace has flown under the radar for quite a bit now, quietly becoming one of the league’s best defenders. His ball pressure frustrates opponents, he is always creating live-ball turnovers, and is extremely physical at the point of attack. He finished inside the top seven of Defensive Player of the Year voting and was on the All-Defensive second team this season as well.
Wallace’s offense has come along slowly, but he is a willing and capable shooter, has developed his handle, and does not turn the ball over. He just has not gotten a big on-ball opportunity, given that fact that Gilgeous-Alexander and Williams dominate the ball and OKC has a lot of other supporting pieces that share touches.
That could change though next season, as the Thunder shed payroll and make tough roster decisions. Wallace has to be in the mix. He is the type of guy that would thrive with added opportunity, but will that be with the Thunder?
Teams will line up for Wallace’s services this summer, teams that would be willing to offer big-time contracts and a bigger on-ball role. There is a chance that Wallace could become too expensive for OKC and with Ajay Mitchell in the fold as well, do they want that many guards?
These are questions Presti will have to ask and find answers for this offseason. Either way, he has to find a way to keep Wallace. Letting him walk and watching him flourish on another team would be tough to stomach for the Thunder.
Add us as a preferred source on Google