Luguentz Dort, an All-Defensive Team player last season, is officially heading to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team trade, a move that rips a fan favorite out of Oklahoma City. The deal saw Oklahoma City land three future second-round picks, Atlanta securing Dort and Ryan Nembhard, and Dallas adding Zaccharie Risacher. It was not a shock that Dort was on the move, especially with the Thunder feeling the pinch of the second apron as Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams’ max extensions kick in next season. Some depth had to go, and with Dort making $18.2 million next season and an extension unlikely, a parting of ways was always on the cards.
Atlanta’s Building a Wall and Nobody in the League Is Ready For It
The Hawks have been on a roll this offseason, and snagging Dort, who was easily the best player in this trade, just adds to their momentum. Atlanta’s clearly out here trying to build a defensive juggernaut, and adding an All-Defensive Team player like Dort behind Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker? That’s just fearsome. Coach Quin Snyder definitely has some interesting decisions ahead about playing Daniels and Dort together, given it could pose some offensive challenges, but man, that’s the kind of “problem” every coach dreams of having. Overall, adding Dort and Aaron Wiggins on the wing is a huge upgrade for Atlanta at that position. Plus, the Hawks have some serious flexibility here. If they need to clear cap space next summer, they don’t have to re-sign Dort or Nembhard. Speaking of Nembhard, he’s a solid backup for rookie Kingston Flemmings, which is another smart move. And hey, mad respect to Atlanta for shedding Risacher, their former No. 1 pick, instead of just sticking with him out of obligation. It was a previous front office’s pick, sure, but cutting ties and moving on, even if Risacher is only 21 and could still improve, shows a willingness to make the right call, especially after passing on Alex Sarr and Stephon Castle to take him.
OKC Chose Their Pockets Over Their Heart and Dort’s Getting Paid
While Atlanta is celebrating, this trade stings for Oklahoma City fans. The big winner for the Thunder? Clay Bennett’s bank account, plain and simple. This move gets OKC comfortably under the second apron. It’s another “win” for NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and his luxury tax rules, but it comes at a cost for the fans. Silver talks about parity and eight different champions in eight years, making it sound like players are just pawns. But that completely ignores the deep connection fans form with players. Lu Dort was absolutely a fan favorite in Oklahoma City. He’s that guy who hustles every single second, does all the little things, and fans just connect with that heart and grit. Now, that connection is gone. On the court, the Thunder might be okay, with another elite defender in Cason Wallace stepping in as a full-time starter and Alex Caruso still coming off the bench. But for Dort, this is a win, too, just a different kind. He’s eligible for an extension, and with OKC’s cap crunch, that was never happening there. In Atlanta, they’ve got the cap space to pay him, which was probably a big reason they traded for him. He’s probably not due a massive raise, likely making something similar to his current deal, maybe a little less the first year, but he can secure his bag in the ATL, and you bet he’s gonna take it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
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