Atlanta acquires Lu Dort in three-team trade involving Oklahoma City and Dallas

The NBA approved a three-team deal that sent Oklahoma City Thunder guard Lu Dort and rookie Ryan Nembhard to the Atlanta Hawks. In return, the Thunder received three future second-round draft selections, and the Dallas Mavericks acquired forward Zaccharie Risacher.

Atlanta added Dort, a former All-Defensive Team member, to a wing rotation that already includes Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, aiming to strengthen its defensive capabilities. Coach Quin Snyder will need to balance the lineup, as pairing Dort with Daniels could present offensive challenges, but the addition is viewed as an upgrade at the wing position.

The Hawks also obtained Nembhard as a backup guard behind rookie Kingston Flemmings. Dallas, meanwhile, expects Risacher, a 21-year-old wing player who averaged 9.6 points and shot 36.8% from three-point range last season, to develop under coach Dusty May.

The Thunder, facing salary-cap constraints after upcoming max extensions for Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams, opted to move Dort, who is due $18.2 million next season, in order to stay below the league’s second-apron luxury-tax threshold. The team will rely on other defensive options, including Cason Wallace and Alex Caruso, to fill the roster.

The trade reflects ongoing adjustments by NBA teams to manage payroll and roster composition under the league’s luxury-tax rules.