Hawks Bolster Defense by Acquiring Lu Dort in Three-Team Trade with Thunder and Mavericks

The Atlanta Hawks have strengthened their defensive unit by acquiring guard Lu Dort from the Oklahoma City Thunder as part of a three-team trade that also involves the Dallas Mavericks, according to ESPN’s Sham Charania.

Under the agreement, Atlanta receives Dort along with point guard Ryan Nembhard. The Mavericks add forward Zaccharie Risacher, while the Thunder receive three future second-round draft picks.

The move gives the Hawks one of the league’s most formidable defensive wing pairings, with Dort joining fellow former All-Defensive selection Dyson Daniels. The 27-year-old Canadian spent the first seven seasons of his NBA career with the Thunder after entering the league as an undrafted player in 2019.

Last season, Dort averaged 8.3 points, 3.6 rebounds and 0.9 steals per game while continuing to play a significant role in Oklahoma City’s rotation. He established himself as a dependable two-way player and was a key contributor during the Thunder’s championship-winning campaign in 2025. His arrival is expected to strengthen Atlanta’s perimeter defense heading into the new season.

The Hawks also acquire Ryan Nembhard, who made an impressive start to his NBA career with the Mavericks. After going undrafted, the 5-foot-11 guard began the season on a Two-Way contract before earning a place in Dallas’ regular rotation. Nembhard averaged 6.6 points and 5.3 assists during his rookie campaign and produced a memorable performance in April by recording 23 assists against the Chicago Bulls, setting a new Mavericks rookie record and surpassing Jason Kidd’s previous mark.

Dallas, meanwhile, lands Zaccharie Risacher, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The 6-foot-8 French forward averaged 9.6 points and 3.8 rebounds while shooting 45.5 percent from the field in his second NBA season. Risacher now joins a Mavericks roster that also features 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cooper Flagg, giving Dallas two recent top overall selections.

For Oklahoma City, the trade adds three future second-round draft picks, increasing the franchise’s offseason haul to seven. The Thunder had previously acquired additional second-round selections in separate trades involving Aaron Wiggins, who was dealt to the Hawks, and Isaiah Joe, who was traded to the Pistons.

Earlier in the offseason, Oklahoma City exercised Dort’s $17.7 million team option before ultimately deciding to move the veteran guard in exchange for future draft assets rather than allow him to become a free agent.