Story perspectives

Thunder Trade Luguentz Dort to Hawks, Shed $224 M Payroll

7/19/2026

Summary

Story summary

Oklahoma City Thunder traded Luguentz Dort to the Atlanta Hawks on July 19, 2026, sending Zaccharie Risacher to Dallas Mavericks and Ryan Nembhard to the Hawks.
Oklahoma City received three second-round picks, cleared Dort’s $17.7 million option and cut $224 million in payroll, moving below the second-tax apron.
The trade gave Atlanta a 27-year-old defender and $40 million cap space and gave Dallas Risacher, who averaged 9.6 points and 3.8 rebounds last season.

History

Historical Context

The 161-day NBA lockout that began July 1, 2011 ended on December 8, 2011 and produced a new CBA with a stricter luxury-tax structure and a flexible salary cap. The Oklahoma City Thunder’s 2026 trade with the Atlanta Hawks, which trimmed payroll to stay below the tax threshold, shows teams now routinely use those 2011-era rules to reshape rosters.

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Story summary

Oklahoma City Thunder traded Luguentz Dort to the Atlanta Hawks on July 19, 2026, sending Zaccharie Risacher to Dallas Mavericks and Ryan Nembhard to the Hawks.
Oklahoma City received three second-round picks, cleared Dort’s $17.7 million option and cut $224 million in payroll, moving below the second-tax apron.
The trade gave Atlanta a 27-year-old defender and $40 million cap space and gave Dallas Risacher, who averaged 9.6 points and 3.8 rebounds last season.

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