Luguentz Dort said his departure from the Oklahoma City Thunder was an emotional but necessary decision, with the two sides recognizing the financial realities surrounding his future before his July trade to the Atlanta Hawks.
“We had a couple conversations,” Dort told The Athletic. “Just knowing the situation that the team and I was in, we came up with the best agreement to see what was best for my future.”
Dort added that the discussions were emotional but that both sides understood a separation was necessary. “It’s mutual on both sides,” he said, explaining that he still has a lot of love for the Oklahoma City organization, which changed his life after he entered the NBA as an undrafted player in 2019.
The Thunder traded Dort to Atlanta in a three-team deal on July 19, receiving three future second-round picks. The transaction was part of Oklahoma City’s effort to reduce payroll and remain below the NBA’s second apron.
Oklahoma City’s financial position became more complicated as extensions for its young core approached and the franchise sought to avoid the second apron. The Thunder also traded Isaiah Joe to the Detroit Pistons and Aaron Wiggins to Atlanta, collecting two future second-round picks in each transaction.
Dort had earned a significant role during seven seasons with Oklahoma City. He averaged 11.6 points and 3.8 rebounds across his Thunder career, earned All-Defensive First Team honors in 2025 and finished fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting that season.
His scoring average declined to 8.3 points in 2025-26, but his departure was tied to the franchise’s financial decisions rather than a lack of defensive value. Oklahoma City had exercised his $17.7 million team option in June before trading him the following month.
Dort is averaging 8.6 points in five games with Atlanta to begin the 2026-27 season. The Hawks are scheduled to visit the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday, Oct. 31, at 7 p.m. ET.
