The Atlanta Hawks made one of the biggest moves of the NBA offseason on Sunday, agreeing to a three-team trade with the Dallas Mavericks and Oklahoma City Thunder according to ESPN insider Shams Charania.
Atlanta sends former No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher to Dallas, while acquiring All-Defensive guard Lu Dort and rookie point guard Ryan Nembhard. Oklahoma City receives three future second-round picks, allowing the Thunder to continue reshaping their roster and maintaining long-term financial flexibility after their championship run.
The trade marks an end to Risacher’s brief tenure in Atlanta just two seasons after the franchise selected the French forward with the top overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
For the Hawks, the acquisition of Dort signals a commitment to improving one of the league’s toughest defensive units. Widely regarded as one of the NBA’s premier perimeter defenders, Dort brings on-ball pressure, playoff experience, and championship pedigree to an Atlanta roster looking to take the next step in the Eastern Conference. His ability to guard the opposing team’s best scorer every night should immediately ease the defensive burden on the Hawks’ backcourt while providing toughness and leadership. Nembhard also gives Atlanta another young floor general with strong playmaking instincts and valuable developmental upside.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks are betting on the upside that made Risacher the No. 1 overall selection just two years ago.
Although his development in Atlanta never fully matched the lofty expectations that accompanied his draft status, Dallas appears to believe the 21-year-old forward can flourish in a new environment with a fresh opportunity. Risacher still possesses the size, shooting potential, and defensive versatility that made him one of the most coveted prospects in recent memory, and the Mavericks are hoping a change of scenery unlocks that potential as they continue building around their core.
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