Hawks Bolster Defense with Lu Dort and Ryan Nembhard in Three-Team Trade
Mike Goodpaster Published 20/07/2026
The Atlanta Hawks made one of the biggest moves of the offseason after completing a three-team agreement with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks. The transaction gives Atlanta veteran defender Lu Dort and young point guard Ryan Nembhard, while former No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher heads to Dallas and Oklahoma City collects additional draft assets.
The move quickly became one of the most talked-about NBA trades of the summer because each franchise addressed a different need. Atlanta focused on improving its defense and backcourt depth, Dallas invested in a talented young forward, and the Thunder continued preparing for the future by adding more draft capital.
Key Takeaways
The Atlanta Hawks have significantly bolstered their defense and backcourt depth by acquiring veteran defender Lu Dort and promising young point guard Ryan Nembhard in a three-team trade involving the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks.
- Atlanta's primary acquisitions, Lu Dort and Ryan Nembhard, address the team's immediate needs for enhanced perimeter defense and reliable point guard play, respectively.
- The trade sees the Mavericks investing in future potential by acquiring top draft pick Zaccharie Risacher, while the Thunder continue their strategy of accumulating draft assets and financial flexibility.
- This three-team deal is highlighted as a balanced offseason move, with each participating team fulfilling distinct objectives: Atlanta strengthening its defense, Dallas acquiring a highly-touted young forward, and Oklahoma City building for the future.
Atlanta Prioritizes Defense and Backcourt Depth
Atlanta's biggest addition is Lu Dort, who spent the first seven seasons of his NBA career with the Thunder after entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2019. The Canadian guard became one of the league's most respected perimeter defenders and played a key role during Oklahoma City's 2025 championship run, earning recognition as one of the NBA's top defensive players.
Although Dort averaged 8.3 points and 3.6 rebounds last season, his value extends far beyond scoring. His physical defense, versatility, and playoff experience should immediately strengthen an Atlanta roster that has made improving its defense a priority. Pairing him alongside Dyson Daniels gives the Hawks two proven defenders capable of guarding multiple positions.
Beyond his defensive impact, Dort brings leadership and postseason experience to a Hawks team looking to become a stronger contender in the Eastern Conference. His ability to take on difficult defensive assignments allows Atlanta's other players to focus more on their offensive roles, while his toughness and consistency provide qualities that are difficult to replace. If he continues playing at the level he displayed in Oklahoma City, Dort could quickly become one of Atlanta's most valuable additions this offseason.
Ryan Nembhard Earns a Fresh Opportunity
The Hawks also added Ryan Nembhard, whose rookie campaign with Dallas exceeded expectations. After going undrafted, the former Gonzaga standout earned a two-way contract before eventually securing a standard NBA deal thanks to his consistent play and increased responsibilities in the Mavericks' backcourt.
Nembhard appeared in 60 games and started 27, averaging 6.6 points, 5.3 assists, and 2.2 rebounds per game. His breakout moment came in the regular-season finale when he recorded 15 points, 23 assists, and nine rebounds against the Chicago Bulls, setting a new Mavericks rookie record for assists in a single game.
In Atlanta, Nembhard is expected to compete for backup point guard minutes while reuniting with former Gonzaga teammate Corey Kispert. His ability to organize the offense and create opportunities for teammates gives the Hawks another reliable option behind their veteran guards.
Different Goals Shape the Deal
Dallas enters the season hoping a change of scenery helps Zaccharie Risacher reach the potential that made him the first overall selection in the 2024 NBA Draft. During his sophomore NBA campaign, Risacher posted averages of 9.6 points and 3.8 rebounds per game, continuing to develop as one of the league's promising young forwards. The Mavericks believe his size, athleticism, and shooting ability still give him considerable long-term upside.
For Oklahoma City, the trade reflects a different strategy. The Thunder received three future second-round picks, increasing their offseason total to seven after additional moves involving Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe. The deal also creates greater financial flexibility as the defending champions prepare for future contract extensions for their young core.
From a league-wide perspective, the transaction stands out as one of the most balanced moves of the offseason. Atlanta gains immediate defensive help and another promising playmaker, Dallas acquires a former top prospect with room to develop, and Oklahoma City strengthens its collection of draft assets without sacrificing its long-term plans. As NBA News continues to focus on offseason roster changes, this trade could prove to be one of the defining NBA trades before the start of the new season.