As Lu Dort heads to Atlanta, trade rumors reveal the Miami Heat narrowly missed landing the defensive powerhouse.
MIAMI, Fla. – It’s been nearly a month since NBA free agency opened and LeBron James is still on the market. There is no timetable for when a decision will be reported or announced, but everyone is on the lookout, including the schedule makers. However, the business side of basketball keeps going.
On Sunday, the Oklahoma City Thunder finalized a three-time trade to send All-Defensive forward Lu Dort to the Atlanta Hawks. The rest of the deal:
- Hawks: Dort and Ryan Nembhard (via Dallas Mavericks)
- Thunder: 2027 second-round pick (from CHI via DAL), a 2031 and 2032 second-round pick (via ATL)
- Mavericks: Zaccharie Risacher (via ATL) and a protected 2027 second-round pick (via ATL)
Dort reunites with former Thunder teammates Aaron Wiggins. He was acquired in a separate deal a couple of weeks prior. The Hawks don’t have a legitimate superstar, but a group of well-rounded players. It makes the competition in the Southeast Division stronger.
However, the Hawks weren’t the only ones in the Dort sweepstakes. According to league insider Mike Scotto, the Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors, and Miami Heat expressed interest in the seven-year veteran. He’s on an expiring $17.72 million contract.
Last season, Dort averaged 8.3 points on 38.5 percent shooting, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 69 games (all starts). The numbers aren’t always flashy, but the impact is greater. Dort is among the best defenders in the league. He can play shooting guard and either small or power forward. Regardless of being 6-4 and 220 pounds, Dort isn’t an easy defender for anyone to get through.
The Heat could’ve easily matched salaries by involving Nikola Jovic in a deal. However, the draft compensation might have been a difficult price to satisfy. A three-team deal, similar to what actually transpired, would have been necessary for Dort to land in South Florida. The 27-year-old has the defensive profile to fit the franchise’s philosophy.
Plus, Dort has shot a career 35.8 percent from behind the arc. Although President Pat Riley alluded to adding a center and playmaker to finish the roster, the recent champion would’ve been a reliable option.
The Heat are going all-in on chasing the Larry O’Brien trophy. It’s been 13 years since the last title, but a sixth banner could be added to the Kaseya Center rafters very soon. A James reunion would increase the chances, but that will be known at a later date.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Heat beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
