Thunder GM Sam Presti cites financial considerations for Lu Dort trade

Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti said the trade that sent guard Lu Dort to the Atlanta Hawks was primarily a financial move. In an interview with The Oklahoman, Presti explained that projected savings of about $100 million in salary and luxury-tax penalties will give the Thunder flexibility to add a player at the 15th roster spot without triggering second-apron restrictions.

"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 reallocated to future teams. Along with other new well-documented revenue streams, this will allow us to make more basketball-related decisions over the next several years," Presti said.

He added that the team remains capable of contending and that the financial positioning will help maintain that level of competitiveness. While expressing personal admiration for Dort, Presti noted the guard’s departure opens opportunities for young guards Cason Wallace and Ajay Mitchell, who are expected to assume larger roles.

"We have a team that is capable of contention. And as I understand it, the decisions this summer have positioned us financially to maintain a team of this caliber," Presti said.

"It has always been our belief, it is necessary to embrace change and not fall victim to trying to imitate ourselves or our previous play style," he added, indicating the Thunder will adapt their strategy to the skill sets of the remaining players.