This is how the transfer of Lu Dort, which has revolutionized the NBA, was
Three-way NBA trade deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder player as the key
The Oklahoma City Thunder have been involved in one of the most striking moves of the summer in the NBA by trading Luguentz Dort to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team deal that also includes the Dallas Mavericks.
The deal sends the Canadian defensive specialist to Atlanta, while the Thunder receive three future second-round Draft picks. Meanwhile, the Mavericks acquire the 2024 number one Draft pick, Zaccharie Risacher, and Ryan Nembhard heads to the Hawks.
Dort's departure is mainly due to financial reasons. Oklahoma City continues to adjust its salary cap, and after the trades of Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, and now Dort, they have managed to position themselves below the second salary apron, as well as creating significant flexibility for the future. In total, the franchise has accumulated seven second-round Draft picks during this offseason, has created a $17 million trade exception, and has significantly reduced its financial commitments.
Thunder's general manager, Sam Presti, explained that the decision is not based on sporting reasons.
"This was a financial decision. My impression is that the savings generated this summer, and by being out of the luxury tax in recent years, will be reinvested in future teams," he told the Oklahoman.
Atlanta adds an elite defender
The Hawks add one of the best defensive specialists in the entire league. Dort, 27, was selected for the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2025 and will form an extremely strong perimeter alongside Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker.
Furthermore, Atlanta will maintain great financial flexibility, with over $40 million in salary cap space available for next summer.
Farewell to a symbol in Oklahoma
Dort was the longest-tenured player in the Thunder lineup. He joined the franchise in 2019 on a two-way contract after going undrafted and became a key piece of the team that won the NBA championship in 2025.
Presti acknowledged that his departure will be a blow to the locker room, but he is confident that other young players will step up.
"Losing Lu will have an impact on the team, but we are well positioned to reinvent ourselves and continue finding new ways to win. Cason Wallace and Ajay Mitchell will have more responsibilities, as well as other players."
Dallas bets on Zaccharie Risacher
Meanwhile, the Mavericks land one of the most promising young players in the league. Zaccharie Risacher, 21, and the number one pick in the 2024 Draft, averaged 9.6 points and 3.8 rebounds in 67 games last season and finished second in the Rookie of the Year voting for the 2024-25 season, only behind Stephon Castle.
Mavericks' president of operations, Masai Ujiri, and general manager Mike Schmitz had identified the Frenchman as a priority to strengthen a revamped project under new head coach Dusty May.
Meanwhile, Atlanta also adds Ryan Nembhard, a 23-year-old Canadian guard who signed a standard contract after standing out with Dallas. Last season, he averaged 6.6 points, 5.3 assists, and 2.2 rebounds in 60 games.
With this move, the Thunder sacrifice one of their defensive cornerstones to gain financial flexibility for the upcoming years, while the Hawks and Mavericks strengthen their rosters with two players expected to play a significant role in their respective projects.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Así fue el traspaso de Lu Dort que ha revolucionado la NBA