Sam Presti dealt Luguentz Dort to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team trade Sunday in hopes of setting up the Oklahoma City Thunder for the long run.
"This was a financial decision," the Thunder executive vice president and general manger told Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman. "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.
"Along with other new well-documented revenue streams, this will allow us to make more basketball-related decisions over the next several years. We have a team that is capable of contention. And as I understand it, the decisions this summer have positioned us financially to maintain a team of this caliber."
Dort played a key role in the Thunder's rise from cellar dweller to NBA champions. The undrafted 6-foot-4 forward developed into one of the league's premier wing defenders over seven seasons in Oklahoma City, earning All-Defensive first-team honors in 2024-25 and finishing fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting that same season. He averaged 8.3 points and 3.6 boards across 69 appearances in 2025-26.
But with Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams' contract extensions kicking in this upcoming campaign, the Thunder made several cost-cutting moves this offseason.
In addition to Dort, reserve guards Aaron Wiggins and Isaiah Joe were moved in separate deals. The trio of moves shedded more than $200 million in payroll and tax penalties, while also putting Oklahoma City below the second apron.
Presti knows the departure of Dort - the club's longest-tenured member - will have ramifications, but he believes the Thunder will be able to adjust accordingly.
"Losing Lu will certainly have an effect on the team, but I think we are positioned well to reimagine ourselves and continue to find new avenues to win," Presti said. "Cason (Wallace) and Ajay (Mitchell) will have more responsibility, as will others.
"But, as has always been our belief, it is necessary to embrace change and not fall victim to trying to imitate ourselves, or our previous play style."
