“They Kind of Have To Make Tough Decisions”: NBA Insider Speaks on Lu Dort Getting Traded by Thunder

While parting ways with veteran guard Lu Dort was difficult for the Oklahoma City Thunder, an NBA insider believes it is because of the championship payroll. After seven seasons with the Thunder, Dort was traded to the Atlanta Hawks as part of a three-team trade on Sunday. Aside from Dort, the Hawks also received Ryan Nembhard from the Dallas Mavericks. Meanwhile, the Thunder received three second-round picks. As for the Mavs, they received Zaccharie Risacher and a second-round pick.

The trade seems questionable on the Thunder's end. Dort was known as OKC's go-to 3-and-D wing, providing solid defense while knocking down shots from beyond the arc. NBA insider Amin Elhassan recently revealed why the Thunder felt the need to move on from Dort in an X post by SiriusXM NBA Radio.

"This is a continuation of what I predicted all year long would happen to Oklahoma City, which is they have to slash salary. They're carrying one of the most expensive payrolls in the NBA. Prior to this deal, they were $12 million over the second apron. ... They kind of have to make tough decisions."

Before Dort, OKC had also cleared significant payroll space by trading Aaron Wiggins, who had a five-year, $45 million contract with the Thunder. They also traded Isaiah Joe after five seasons, who had a four-year, $48 million contract, reflecting what Elhassan said on SiriusXM NBA Radio on X.

With Chet Holmgren signed to a massive contract worth $239 million and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander agreeing to an upcoming four- year, $271 million extension, it's no wonder they needed the salary space.

With Dort now out of the picture, the Thunder's main defensive anchors will be Holmgren, Isaiah Hartenstein, and Cason Wallace. Looking at the numbers, Dort had relatively lower stats compared to the three OKC players.

Last season, Dort averaged 2.7 defensive rebounds, 0.9 steals, and 0.4 blocks. Holmgren outpaces Dort in defensive rebounds (7.0 vs. 2.7) and blocks (1.9 vs. 0.4). Hartenstein (1.0) and Wallace (2.0) both exceed Dort's 0.9 steals per game.

Despite Lu being a former All-Defensive First Team member, the numbers alone show that the Thunder will be fine without him. Hopefully for them, that would be the case come the 2026-27 season.

Thunder GM Explains Decision to Trade Lu Dort

While some trades upset fans, it is important to note that the NBA is a business. Managers and front office personnel look not only at roster strength, but also at financial viability for the franchise. This time it came at the cost of Dort.

It was a business decision by OKC Thunder general manager Sam Presti. With plenty of paychecks to settle, they can only pay so many players. Because of that, Presti had to make a tough decision by letting go of Dort, as he told The Oklahoman on July 19.

"This was a financial decision. The impression I have been given is that the savings generated this summer, and from being out of the tax the last several years, will be re-allocated to future teams."

There's an ongoing narrative that the Thunder could've traded Dort due to his lackluster performance in the 2026 Western Conference Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. However, this hasn't been confirmed. With a little extra cash on their hands, it'll be interesting to see what other offseason moves Presti intends to make.