He had finally found his home in the NBA. That's why it was equally difficult — and awkward — to know that his time with the team would likely be coming to a close because of the outsize contract his performances merited, and the limiting nature of the salary cap. "It was a lot of emotions," says Dort, a 2025 All-Defense First Team member. "I have a lot of love for this (OKC) organization. You know, they changed my life. … It's mutual on both sides. I know they got a lot of love for me, as well. But we all know it's part of the business. You knew it was going to happen at some point.
This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: "It was a lot of emotions," says Dort, a 2025 …


