The Oklahoma City Thunder have made one of their biggest moves of the offseason, as they agreed to trade All-Defensive guard Lu Dort to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team deal that involved the Dallas Mavericks.
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Hawks will receive Lu Dort and Ryan Nembhard, and the Mavericks get former No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher. The Thunder received three second-round picks as they continue to maintain long-term financial flexibility this offseason.
The move marks the end of Dort’s six-year run in Oklahoma City, where he started out as an undrafted free agent and developed into one of the best defenders in the NBA. While his offensive numbers were average at best, his defensive impact made him one of the most valuable role players on a championship-caliber roster.
Last season, Dort averaged 8.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.2 assists while shooting 38.5% from the field and 34.4% from beyond the arc. He took the task of guarding the opponents’ best perimeter scorer, as he helped the Thunder become one of the best defensive teams in recent NBA history.
The Thunder could have just declined the $17.2 million team option to save cap space. But they took the team option before trading him, as they got three second-round picks in return and a trade exception worth nearly $17 million. This trade also gives Dort a chance to sign a long-term extension with the Hawks.
This was a big financial move by the Thunder. With the trade of Dort, Isiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins, the Thunder have shed approximately $224 million in payroll and luxury tax as they got under the second apron. For a franchise already loaded with young talent and future draft assets, maintaining flexibility is a top priority as they look to get back to championship contention.
The Hawks got exactly what they have been searching for. The Hawks were looking for several wing options after they declined Kuminga’s team option. Pairing him with Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker gives the Hawks three elite perimeter defenders who can guard multiple positions.
At 27 years old, Dort also fits their competitive timeline and is also extension-eligible.
The Mavericks may have just landed the highest potential player in the deal as they landed Risacher. Selected first overall two years ago, the French forward averaged 9.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in his second year with the Hawks. Despite falling short of expectations, the Mavericks are betting that a fresh environment can unlock his potential.
The trade also sends Ryan Nembhard to the Hawks. He averaged 6.6 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists during his first NBA season and gives the Hawks another playmaker.
Each team leaves this deal with different priorities accomplished. The Thunder get future assets, creating financial flexibility. The Hawks improve their defense without giving up cap space for the future, and the Mavericks take a chance on a former No. 1 overall pick.
For the Thunder, the biggest headline remains goodbye to one of the best players of their championship core. Lu Dort may no longer wear a Thunder jersey, but his impact on the franchise’s rise from a rebuilding team to an NBA champion will be remembered.
