Dort To Hawks, Risacher To Mavericks In Three-Team Trade

Dort To Hawks, Risacher To Mavericks In Three-Team Trade

The landscape of the Western and Eastern Conferences shifted on Sunday, 19 July 2026, as a complex, three-team transaction involving the Oklahoma City Thunder, Atlanta Hawks, and Dallas Mavericks reshaped the rosters of all three organizations. According to reports confirmed by Shams Charania via ESPN, the multi-team deal sends veteran defender Lu Dort to Atlanta while facilitating a high-profile move for former top overall pick Zaccharie Risacher to Dallas.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Oklahoma City Thunder receive three second-round draft picks from the Atlanta Hawks. In return, the Hawks acquire both Lu Dort and Mavericks guard Ryan Nembhard. The final piece of the puzzle sees the Dallas Mavericks secure the services of forward Zaccharie Risacher, who was the No. 1 overall selection in the 2024 NBA Draft.

A Strategy of Asset Accumulation

For Oklahoma City, the trade represents a continuation of an aggressive offseason strategy focused on gathering future draft capital and managing long-term financial flexibility. By moving Lu Dort, the Thunder have now accumulated seven second-round draft picks since the start of the current offseason. This follows earlier trades involving Aaron Wiggins, who was sent to Atlanta, and Isaiah Joe, who was traded to the Detroit Pistons; both of those transactions netted the Thunder two second-round picks apiece.

The decision to trade Dort came after the franchise exercised his $17.7 million team option earlier in the offseason. Rather than declining the option and allowing the veteran guard to enter free agency without compensation, management opted to secure draft assets for the former All-Defensive First Team selection.

New Roles for Impact Players

Lu Dort departs Oklahoma City after seven seasons, having originally joined the team as an undrafted free agent in 2019. Throughout his tenure, he emerged as a foundational perimeter defender, playing a significant role in the franchise's 2025 championship run. Statistically, his time with the Thunder saw him average 11.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. In Atlanta, Dort is expected to form a formidable defensive backcourt alongside Dyson Daniels, a pairing noted for their collective reputation as defensive stalwarts. He also reunites with former teammate Aaron Wiggins.

The Dallas Mavericks’ acquisition of Zaccharie Risacher adds another top-tier talent to their rotation. The 6-foot-8 French forward, who averaged 9.6 points and 3.8 rebounds on 45.5% shooting during his second professional season, now joins 2025 No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg on the Dallas roster.

Ryan Nembhard, meanwhile, moves to the Atlanta roster after a breakout rookie campaign with Dallas. After beginning his tenure on a Two-Way contract, the 5-foot-11 point guard established himself in the rotation, averaging 6.6 points and 5.3 assists. His season was highlighted by a 23-assist performance against the Chicago Bulls in April, a mark that set a record for assists in a single game by a Mavericks rookie.

The Path Forward

While the trade has been reported extensively, the involved teams have yet to issue an official announcement as of Sunday, 19 July 2026. Fans in Oklahoma City have taken to social media to express gratitude for Dort’s contributions to the local community and his role in the team’s recent success.