Atlanta Hawks acquire Luguentz Dort in three-team trade with Thunder
The Atlanta Hawks have acquired elite defender Luguentz Dort from the Oklahoma City Thunder in a major three-team NBA trade that sends Zaccharie Risacher to the Dallas Mavericks.
The intricate deal also sees Ryan Nembhard moving to Georgia, while the Thunder secure three future second-round draft picks.
This transaction marks a significant roster restructuring for all three franchises ahead of the upcoming basketball season.
Thunder prioritise financial flexibility
Oklahoma City opted to pick up a $17.7m team option on their 2025 championship stalwart rather than letting him depart in free agency.
By executing this move, the Western Conference side created a $17m trade exception while successfully ducking below the league’s restrictive second salary cap apron.
The front office has now accumulated seven second-round picks and shed $200m in future salary this offseason through the departures of their former wing, alongside Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins.
Hawks bolster defensive ranks
The arrival of the 27-year-old provides Atlanta with a formidable presence on the perimeter.
He joins a revamped wing rotation featuring Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, creating what projects to be a highly disruptive defensive unit.
The defensive specialist was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2025, having averaged 8.3 points and 3.6 rebounds across 69 appearances last season.
This strategic acquisition also positions the Eastern Conference outfit to offer their new arrival a long-term contract, whilst maintaining projected cap space of over $40m for next summer.
Mavericks secure former top pick
Dallas capitalised on the multi-team framework to land a former number one overall draft selection in Risacher.
The 21-year-old finished as the runner-up for the Rookie of the Year award behind Stephon Castle following the 2024-25 campaign.
He posted averages of 9.6 points and 3.8 rebounds in 67 games last season and now offers the Mavericks a high-potential building block.
Meanwhile, 23-year-old guard Nembhard heads to the Hawks after an impressive rookie season where he delivered 5.3 assists and 6.6 points per game.