Thunder trade Lu Dort to Hawks in three-team deal focused on finances

The Oklahoma City Thunder traded Lu Dort to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team deal involving the Dallas Mavericks. This move was described by Thunder GM Sam Presti as a financial decision to shed payroll, as the team received three second-round picks in return. Dort's exit follows seven years with the Thunder, where he became a key player alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Presti emphasized the importance of managing team finances to remain competitive while maintaining a healthy salary structure for future seasons.

• 2:31 AMYahoo Sports — OKC GM Sam Presti reveals the Thunder's surprise Lu Dort trade was purely financial