The Oklahoma City Thunder are reportedly going to decline Lu Dort's team option for the upcoming season. This doesn't mean, however, that the prized forward is going to be leaving the team. As a matter of fact, it appears that this move is a precursor for the 23-year-old to sign a much bigger deal with the Thunder.

This report comes via NBA guru Shams Charania of The Athletic:

The Oklahoma City Thunder are declining the $1.9 million team option on forward Lu Dort for 2022-23 season, which makes him a restricted free agent and allows sides to negotiate a new deal in free agency, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

Dort had the best season of his career last year, averaging across-the-board career-best numbers of 17.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, while also connecting on 2.5 triples per game. The incoming fourth-year wing has also emerged as one of the best perimeter defenders in the league, and there's no question that he's one of the most valuable players on the Thunder roster right now.

At this point, it doesn't sound like the OKC is going to let Dort go anywhere. It is worth noting, however, that since he is going to be a restricted free agent, other teams can actually send offers in his direction. The Thunder, though, will have the option to match any offer sheet.