Thunder Trade Luguentz Dort to Hawks in Three-Team Deal That Saves Massive Tax Bill
The Oklahoma City Thunder have traded Luguentz Dort to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team deal that significantly reduces Oklahoma City’s salary and tax burden while adding three second-round picks to its asset base. By taking no salary back, the Thunder are projected to save around $100 million in combined salary and tax penalties and gain flexibility under the league’s new second-apron restrictions.
Thunder Ship Luguentz Dort to Hawks in Three-Team Deal That Cuts Massive Tax Bill
The Oklahoma City Thunder have traded Luguentz Dort to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team deal that dramatically cuts Oklahoma City’s projected salary and tax burden and gives the franchise added flexibility for the rest of the offseason.
What the Thunder Did — And Why It Matters
According to reporting on the transaction, the Thunder are moving off Dort’s multi-year money in a deal that sends him to Atlanta and brings back three second-round picks to Oklahoma City.
By trading Dort and taking no salary back, the Thunder are projected to save around $100 million in combined salary and luxury-tax penalties, opening room to sign a player into their 15th roster spot without pushing back into second-apron territory.
That level of savings is significant in the new CBA environment, where second-apron restrictions limit roster-building tools, trade flexibility and certain spending mechanisms for the league’s highest-payroll teams. This move positions Oklahoma City to operate below that line while still maintaining a deep asset chest.
The Structure of the Deal
The transaction has been formally completed, with all three teams announcing the trade.
Key elements reported:
- Thunder: trade Luguentz Dort, receive three second-round picks, and crucially take back no salary.
- Hawks: acquire Dort as a defensive-minded wing and, in addition, send a top-55 protected 2027 second-round pick to the .