It looks like Lu Dort is excited for fresh NBA start on Hawks

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It's been a summer filled with changes for the Oklahoma City Thunder. After a couple of years of spotless roster continuity, the complementary pieces are going through a recast. Aiming to get below the second apron and save ownership a boatload of money, they said goodbye to a trio of longtime role players.

The biggest exit happened this past Sunday. The Thunder traded Lu Dort to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team deal. They received three future second-round picks in return. The writing has been on the wall for a while over his eventual departure. Even after they picked up his $17.2 million 2026-27 team option.

Previously tied for the longest-tenured Thunder player, Dort spent seven seasons in OKC from 2019-26. He went from an undrafted rookie to an All-Defense member and NBA champion. He was a starter when they brought home their first Larry O'Brien trophy in 2025. On that alone, he'll be immortalized among the small-market fanbase.

Even with Dort's desires to stay in OKC, the NBA is a business first. Just didn't make sense for the Thunder to bring him back next season — both for basketball and financial reasons. After sitting on the move for a couple of days, he took to social media to sorta address the move.

In Dort's Instagram story on Wednesday, he was excited to repost the Hawks' official announcement. He also mimicked a bird by flapping his arms and yelling 'caw caw' as he jumped into a lake to enjoy his summer months. Even though the 27-year-old wanted to stay in OKC, it looks like he's excited for a fresh start in Atlanta.

Alongside Aaron Wiggins, both longtime Thunder role players will join the Hawks. They're riding on their hot second-half run that finished with an epic Round 1 series loss to the New York Knicks. Moving on from Trae Young, Atlanta has pivoted to Jalen Johnson being its franchise face.

Dort should help the Hawks' depth. He complements Dyson Daniels well as two high-end perimeter defenders. And if he bounces back with his outside shot, he'll help their offense. I like the move for Atlanta in a vacuum. Just not necessarily enthusiastic with what they're building as a whole.

This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: It looks like Lu Dort is excited for fresh NBA start on Hawks

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