Lu Dort vouches for Montreal to have an NBA expansion team

The NBA offseason is underway, with teams on break before the 2025-26 season. After winning the championship, the Oklahoma City Thunder are favorites to repeat, but players like Lu Dort are currently relaxing back home in Montreal, Canada.

Dort played a key defensive role for the Thunder during their championship run, guarding opponents' top scorers and contributing offensively with 34.3% three-point shooting in the playoffs. His journey from going undrafted in 2019 to becoming a top defender on a championship team is a significant success story for Oklahoma City.

Now in Montreal, Dort is reflecting on the championship and actively advocating for his hometown to get an NBA franchise. He disputes the focus often placed solely on Seattle and Las Vegas for expansion, arguing Montreal has the talent and fan base. Dort cites the city's love for basketball, the number of local kids playing in high school and college, and existing NBA players from Montreal as evidence of its readiness.

He has publicly stated his belief that Montreal could support a team and that the NBA would "love to have a team there," using opportunities to speak on the subject. Montreal has previously hosted NBA games, including a 2023-24 preseason game featuring Dort and the Thunder against the Pistons, demonstrating existing interest.

However, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recently tempered expansion talks during the Summer League. While Silver hasn't ruled out future expansion (a topic discussed for a decade), he indicated it won't happen soon. This means Montreal's bid will have to wait, despite enthusiasm from figures like Dort and others around the league.