Cason Wallace is reportedly open to leaving OKC if they are unwilling to extend him

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Over the past three seasons, Cason Wallace has been an excellent player for the Oklahoma City Thunder. He has stepped in well as one of the league's best defenders, but the Thunder seem like they are not prepared to give him a contract extension.

This could mean there is a trade for Wallace, but the Thunder will want a huge package in return. It will be an interesting situation to follow, as Wallace remains the perfect fit alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Cason Wallace could be a trade candidate out of OKC

Across the NBA, there have been a lot of improvements with point-of-attack defenders. However, the Thunder possess some of the league's best stoppers with Wallace and Lu Dort.

The latter might be on his way out of OKC in the 2026 offseason, but Gilgeous-Alexander could influence that decision. He has been playing alongside Dort for his entire Thunder career, so his input will be valuable.

MORE: The reason why Aaron Wiggins got traded from OKC to Atlanta

If they do decide to part ways with Dort, that could mean Wallace would be the full-time starting shooting guard alongside SGA. Unfortunately, that might require them to pay a premium for him, and the Thunder might not be prepared to give that money.

"There is a belief around the league that Wallace is open to leaving OKC, and he’s up for a big extension the Thunder might be loath to pay. The young guard would cost multiple first-round picks but be the point-of-attack defender the Nets need," Brian Lewis of The New York Post said about Wallace's future with the Thunder.

This situation is quite interesting because the Thunder's defense is their biggest strength. Being forced to pick between their two best perimeter defenders is hard, but the logical move might be to stick with Wallace rather than Dort.