Trading Lu Dort is deeply driven by "financial decision" regarding Oklahoma City Thunder's future cap position and flexibility, general manager Sam Presti claimed.
Although it was a difficult decision, Sam Presti believes that he still made the necessary choice to trade Luguentz Dort.
Luguentz Dort
Position SG
Age 27
Height 193 cm
Weight 98 kg
Birth place Montreal, Canada
In an exclusive interview with Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman, the Thunder top executive explained that moving on from the beloved OKC forward is simply driven by what is best for the team's cap and financial position in the long run.
“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.
"Along with other new well-documented revenue streams, this will allow us to make more basketball-related decisions over the next several years.”
Lu Dort trade saves OKC Thunder from 2nd apron
A major three-team trade unfolded on Sunday, with Atlanta acquiring Lu Dort and Ryan Nembhard, Dallas securing 2024 No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher, and Oklahoma City settling for three future second-round draft picks.
The trade allowed the Thunder to successfully shed salary and escape the NBA's luxury tax second apron.
The Thunder notably exercised their $17.7 million 2026-27 team option on Dort earlier this offseason. Because they only took draft picks and did not gain any player after trading the Canadian forward, OKC generated a valuable $17.7 million trade exception they can use in the long run, per Shams Charania of ESPN.
In the end, Presti got nothing but love for Dort and how he helped the Thunder from humble beginnings to becoming one of the league's best.
Dort arrived in Oklahoma City as an undrafted prospect in 2019. He eventually rose to one of the Thunder's core pillars and a key cog in their 2025 NBA championship run with his tenacity, hustle, and defense.
"I remember meeting Lu at the practice facility door the morning after he went undrafted. I showed him around and we had breakfast together. He didn’t touch his food. I just remember saying to him that this was the beginning and not the end, that on draft night things are aligned vertically 1-60, but the morning after everyone is lined up side by side horizontally at an imaginary starting line," Presti said of Dort.
"It’s safe to say that he will finish amongst the top of that race. I love the guy, love what he’s about and we will miss him."
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