The Thunder have traded Lu Dort to the Atlanta Hawks as a part of a three-team deal that will net the team three total second round draft picks.
The picks being sent to the Thunder will convey in 2027 (from Bulls via Mavericks), 2031 (more favorable of Hawks and Rockets) and 2032 (more favorable of Hawks and Lakers). Dort will be joined in Atlanta by now-former Dallas Mavericks guard Ryan Nembhard as Atlanta sends former No. 1 overall draft pick Zachary Risacher back to Dallas.
This move continues a trend with the Thunder’s 2026 offseason moves of shipping away players who have been replaced in the rotation by cheaper alternatives. The ascent of guards Cason Wallace and Ajay Mitchell – as well as the plus defense already provided by Alex Caruso – rendered Dort comparatively expendable.
This move also helps the Thunder duck both salary cap aprons and the restrictions they entail. The Thunder picked up Dort’s $17.7 million team option earlier this offseason, an option that will now be paid by the Hawks barring another transaction. Additionally, this move will help the Thunder better afford Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s contract extension that will kick in during the 2027-28 season.
