Basketball
Basketball
Thunder Shed Salary and Dort in Three-Team Deal
The Oklahoma City Thunder, Atlanta Hawks, and Dallas Mavericks completed a significant three-team trade on Sunday, July 19, 2026, a transaction that saw defensive stalwart Lu Dort move from Oklahoma City to Atlanta, with former number one overall pick Zaccharie Risacher heading to Dallas. The deal, reported by ESPN, marks a notable shift for the Thunder in their efforts to manage their salary cap.
Oklahoma City’s primary motivation in this complex exchange appears to be financial. Coming off the Western Conference Finals, the Thunder faced a substantial luxury tax bill, reportedly around $40 million above the second apron. Trading Dort, who had been an integral piece since signing as an undrafted rookie in 2019, along with earlier moves involving Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins, allowed them to duck under that critical financial threshold for the upcoming season. The Thunder also acquired three second-round picks from the Hawks in the deal.
For the Atlanta Hawks, the acquisition of Dort and Ryan Nembhard adds to a roster that pushed the eventual champions to a tough series. Dort, known for his all-world defense, joins a team that includes C.J. McCollum and Onyeka Okongwu. Atlanta sent Risacher to Dallas and three second-round picks to Oklahoma City as part of the agreement.
The Dallas Mavericks, in turn, secured Zaccharie Risacher, the 2024 number one overall draft pick, from the Hawks. Dallas sent Ryan Nembhard to Atlanta in exchange for Risacher, taking a buy-low swing on the young talent. This move comes as the NBA awaited a free agency decision from LeBron James, making this three-team trade the most significant transaction since early July.
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