The Oklahoma City Thunder traded forward Lu Dort to the Atlanta Hawks on July 19 in a three team deal that also involved the Dallas Mavericks. The Thunder received three future second round draft picks in the transaction. The Hawks acquired Lu Dort along with guard Ryan Nembhard. The Mavericks received forward Zaccharie Risacher.
Lu Dort has spent his entire seven-year NBA career with the Thunder. In the 2025-26 season, he averaged 8.3 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. He shot 38.5 percent from the field and 34.4 percent from three point range. Dort started in all 69 regular season games and all 15 playoff games for the Thunder that year. He previously earned All Defensive First Team honors in the 2024-25 season.
The Thunder exercised Dort's $17.7 million team option for the 2026-27 season in late June before completing the trade. Dort enters the final year of his contract, which carries a salary of approximately $18.2 million for the upcoming season. The deal allows the Thunder to reduce their payroll and luxury tax obligations. The team had already completed other moves to manage its salary cap earlier in the offseason.
The Hawks add Dort to their roster as a perimeter defender. He has a history of guarding opposing teams top scorers. Ryan Nembhard joins the Hawks as part of the incoming assets. The Mavericks receive Zaccharie Risacher, who was the No. 1 overall pick in a prior draft.
The transaction connects the three teams through the exchange of players and draft selections. Dort's move from Oklahoma City ends his long tenure with one franchise and begins a new chapter with Atlanta. The Thunder gain future draft capital while adjusting their roster and financial position.