The Atlanta Hawks made one of the biggest moves of the offseason after Shams Charania reported they acquired Luguentz Dort in a three-team trade that also sent former number one overall draft pick Zaccharie Risacher to the Dallas Mavericks. While Dort immediately strengthens Atlanta's championship aspirations, the move also raises an important question: What does it mean for Jonathan Kuminga?
Dort arrives in Atlanta as one of the NBA's premier perimeter defenders. The 2025 All-Defensive first-team selection was instrumental in helping the Oklahoma City Thunder capture an NBA championship. He brings toughness, championship experience, and defensive versatility to an already talented Hawks roster.
He also provides value offensively. Dort knocked down 34 percent of his 3-pointers while averaging five attempts per game, giving Atlanta another reliable floor spacer who can defend multiple positions without becoming a liability on offense.
When looking at Atlanta's offseason as a whole, it's fair to wonder whether the front office is preparing to move forward without Kuminga.
Every Lu Dort 3-Pointer in the Thunder's Championship Year vs the Pacers.
— OKC Thunder Stats (@ThunderNumbers) July 19, 2026
The home crowd shouting "Luuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu" was always amazing. Farewell Lu Dort. pic.twitter.com/N0hCAvK9rL
Atlanta's offseason has changed the conversation
Dort wasn't the only former Thunder player the Hawks targeted this summer. Before the NBA Draft, Atlanta also acquired Aaron Wiggins, another versatile wing capable of defending multiple positions and providing efficient offense.
The Hawks have clearly prioritized improving their depth on the perimeter. Between Dyson Daniels, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Wiggins, and now Dort, Atlanta has assembled one of the league's deepest collections of defensive-minded guards and wings.
That naturally raises questions about Kuminga's place on the roster.
The Hawks already declined Kuminga's $24.3 million team option earlier this offseason, leaving his future uncertain. While Atlanta has reportedly remained open to bringing him back under the right circumstances, every addition to the wing rotation makes that possibility more difficult to project.
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers continue to pursue Kuminga despite recently signing Ziaire Williams and reportedly expressing interest in Matisse Thybulle. Los Angeles still appears motivated to acquire the talented forward, even as negotiations continue moving at a deliberate pace.
Bringing Kuminga back would still be a dream scenario
Despite Atlanta's additions, bringing Kuminga back would still be an incredible outcome for the Hawks.
Imagine a defensive rotation featuring Daniels, Dort, Alexander-Walker, and Kuminga. That group would give Atlanta arguably one of the NBA's most intimidating perimeter defenses, capable of matching up with virtually any playoff opponent in the Eastern Conference.
Kuminga's athleticism and ability to defend multiple positions would complement the Hawks' new identity perfectly. Combined with Dort's championship experience and Daniels' disruptive defense, Atlanta would possess the kind of defensive versatility that every contender covets.
At the same time, roster construction is rarely that simple.
The Hawks have invested heavily in their wing depth throughout the offseason, making it reasonable to wonder whether the organization believes it has already addressed that area of the roster. If that is the case, Kuminga's path back to Atlanta may be narrower than it appeared just a few weeks ago.
President of Basketball Operations Onsi Saleh has consistently emphasized making smart, disciplined decisions rather than forcing transactions. If another team presents a stronger long-term solution than re-signing Kuminga, Atlanta has shown it is willing to pivot.
That doesn't mean Kuminga's return should be ruled out entirely. Free agency has repeatedly proven that circumstances can change quickly, and negotiations often take unexpected turns before reaching a conclusion.
For now, however, the Dort trade undeniably shifts the conversation.
Atlanta has already upgraded one of its biggest weaknesses while adding another proven two-way contributor. If Kuminga ultimately returns, the Hawks could field one of the league's most versatile defensive units.
If he doesn't, Saleh can still feel confident knowing Atlanta significantly strengthened its roster with the addition of one of the NBA's best perimeter defenders.
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