Lu Dort - the defensive ace who helped anchor the Oklahoma City championship run in 2025 - is heading to the Atlanta Hawks in a three-team deal, sending former first-overall pick, Zaccharie Risacher, to the Dallas Mavericks.
One major part of this deal that isn't getting talked about nearly as much as it should is second-year guard Ryan Nembhard, who's also on his way to Atlanta.
Bringing in two guys in exchange for one is perfectly fine, but the Hawks were already over the roster limit of 15 guys beforehand. Ahead of the deal, they were at 16, and now that the swap is underway, they'll soon be at 17.
Hawks must make at least two more important roster decisions
There's a variety of ways they could attack this, but one thing's for sure - they have to, one way or another.
Two players will have to be removed from the roster before the 2026-27 campaign can begin. The good thing is, though, the Hawks will only have to choose from a select group of players. It's not like everyone on the roster is up for grabs.
There's clearly room to part with one of their two backup point guards - Devin Carter or the newly-acquired Ryan Nembhard - in order to clear up one of the spots.
Each have a decent bit of potential to contribute in many ways, so letting go of either wouldn't be ideal, but rules are rules. The next decision, though, will be much more difficult.
Naturally, many have pointed to Buddy Hield's recently-guaranteed $9.6 million contract as something the Hawks should be more than willing to part with. In order to make a trade, though, there will need to be an agreement from another franchise to take it on.
They could, of course, just release him, but it's better to actively gauge the market for some type of capital in return. Maybe even some cash considerations.
If not Hield, could Hawks part with Corey Kispert or Mo Gueye?
Kispert's contract will be even more difficult to send elsewhere. Coming off of an underwhelming first half-season with the Hawks, there's been no shortage of fans including him in offseason trade scenarios.
Mo Gueye, however, could certainly net some value on the market. Being as spectacular as he is on the defensive end, at such a young age, would make his possible departure hurt, but there's a serious logjam in Atlanta's talented forward room.
No matter how they attack this roster space issue, the Hawks are in a great position thanks to some brilliant movement from their lead decision-maker in the front office, Onsi Saleh.
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