OKC Thunder trade Lu Dort to Atlanta Hawks; SGA says he’s staying

The Oklahoma City Thunder sent defensive starter Lu Dort to the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for three second‑round picks and created a $17.5 million player exception, freeing a roster spot and keeping the team $6.9 million under the NBA’s second apron. The move helps the Thunder stay $240 million below their luxury‑tax threshold and preserves $19.6 million in tax liability for the upcoming season.

Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander’s father, Vaughn Gilgeous‑Alexander, rejected rumors that the trade might prompt his son to leave Oklahoma City, saying SGA is “in the perfect place” and that he does not see a move to Toronto or elsewhere. The Thunder also saved cap space by moving Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins, while extending Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams and SGA himself.

The trade reshapes the Hawks’ wing rotation with Dort joining Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander‑Walker, while the Thunder look to rely on younger guards Ajay Mitchell and Cason Wallace as they chase a return to the NBA playoffs.