After seven years with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Lu Dort has now made his exit. He was traded to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team trade between OKC, Atlanta, and the Dallas Mavericks. It was a big move because Dort was essentially salary-dumped.
In return, the Thunder received three second-round picks, while the Mavericks received former first overall pick Zaccharie Risacher. This was a shrewd move from OKC general manager Sam Presti because he got assets from Dort's team option.
Sam Presti explains his rationale behind the Lu Dort trade
For a long time, Thunder fans got used to seeing Dort as one of the mainstays on the roster. He and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander joined the team in 2019, and they were kept through the tough times of the early 2020s.
Despite those struggles, the duo laid the foundation for today's Thunder. Unfortunately, Presti and his front office had to make big decisions this offseason when it came to the financial side of their team.
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This offseason, the Thunder made trades for Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins, and now Dort. All of them played big roles in the Thunder's 2025 championship, but unfortunately, the Thunder have to operate in the green if they want to keep fighting for championships without penalties.
"This was a financial decision. The impression I have been given is that the savings generated this summer, and from being out of the tax the last several years, will be re-allocated to future teams," Presti said to The Oklahoman's Justin Martinez.
The Thunder managed to shed $224 million in payroll and taxes by getting seven second-round picks this offseason. Those were tough decisions made by Presti, but they are still a well-constructed team that is ready to chase another title.
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