Thunder Trade Luguentz Dort in Three-Team Deal as Mavericks Retain Moussa Cisse

Posted : 20 July 2026

The Oklahoma City Thunder have reshaped their roster and financial outlook by trading veteran guard-forward Luguentz Dort to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team deal involving the Dallas Mavericks. As part of the transaction, the Thunder received three future second-round draft picks, while the Mavericks landed former No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher and the Hawks acquired guard Ryan Nembhard alongside Dort.

The move is another step in Oklahoma City's offseason strategy to reduce payroll while maintaining future flexibility. By exercising Dort's $17.7 million team option before completing the trade, the Thunder created a sizeable trade exception, added valuable draft assets, and moved below the NBA's second tax apron. The franchise has now accumulated seven second-round picks during the offseason while significantly lowering its long-term financial commitments.

Thunder general manager Sam Presti described the trade as a financial decision designed to strengthen the team's future. He explained that the savings generated this offseason would be redirected toward maintaining a competitive roster in the coming years, adding that although Dort's departure would be felt, younger players such as Cason Wallace and Ajay Mitchell would be expected to assume larger roles.

Dort leaves Oklahoma City as one of the franchise's most respected players after spending seven seasons with the club. Having joined the Thunder as an undrafted free agent in 2019, the Canadian developed into one of the NBA's premier perimeter defenders and earned First Team All-Defensive honours in 2025. Last season, he averaged 8.3 points and 3.6 rebounds in 69 appearances.

For Atlanta, the acquisition strengthens an already impressive defensive unit. Dort joins fellow defensive specialists Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, giving the Hawks one of the league's strongest wing rotations while preserving significant salary cap flexibility for next summer.

Dallas, meanwhile, continues to reshape its roster around a younger core under new head coach Dusty May. The Mavericks secured the services of Zaccharie Risacher, who averaged 9.6 points and 3.8 rebounds last season and finished runner-up in the NBA Rookie of the Year voting during the 2024-25 campaign.

The Mavericks also ensured they retained center Moussa Cisse after matching the New York Knicks' two-year, $4.7 million offer sheet for the restricted free agent. By matching the contract before the deadline, Dallas prevented Cisse from leaving and secured the services of the 6-foot-11 center, who averaged 4.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game last season.

Under NBA rules, Cisse cannot be traded without his consent for one year following the matched offer sheet and is also ineligible to be traded to the Knicks during that period. The move allows Dallas to preserve valuable frontcourt depth as the franchise continues building for the future.

Thunder Trade Luguentz Dort in Three-Team Deal as Mavericks Retain Moussa Cisse

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