The Thunder send Lu Dort to the Hawks, while Oklahoma City receives three future second-round picks and Ryan Nembhard also lands in Atlanta.
The NBA witnessed one of the most striking market moves with a three-team trade between the Oklahoma City Thunder, Atlanta Hawks, and Dallas Mavericks. The operation features Zaccharie Risacher, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 Draft, continuing his career in Dallas, and Lu Dort heading to Atlanta.
According to Shams Charania, the Mavericks acquire the young French wing after a second season in Atlanta in which he lost playing time and production. Dallas is betting on recovering the best version of a player with enormous potential who is still in his development phase.
The Hawks, for their part, add Lu Dort and Ryan Nembhard. The 27-year-old Dort is considered one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA and will join Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker to form a wing rotation with elite physicality and defense.
Oklahoma City completes the operation by receiving three future second-round picks. The Thunder previously exercised the $17.7 million team option on Dort's contract and, rather than letting him walk, converted his departure into new future assets.
Here's how the trade breaks down
Atlanta Hawks receive: Lu Dort and Ryan Nembhard
Oklahoma City Thunder receive: Three future second-round picks
Dallas Mavericks receive: Zaccharie Risacher
The move also allows Oklahoma City to generate a trade exception close to $17 million and maintain room below the second luxury tax threshold. With the departures of Dort, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wiggins, the franchise will have reduced approximately $224 million in combined salaries and luxury tax, while also accumulating seven second-round picks during this offseason.
Atlanta adds a proven defensive piece without compromising its long-term financial flexibility. The Hawks still project to have over $40 million in salary cap space next summer, while Dort will have the opportunity to pursue a longer-term contract with his new team.
Dallas lands the highest-upside bet of the trade. Risacher will get a fresh start with the Mavericks after his role diminished during his second season with the Hawks.