Thunder's Sam Presti Explains Lu Dort 3-Team Trade, Talks Impact of NBA's 2nd Apron

Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti isn't afraid to admit that the NBA's tax aprons forced his hand this offseason.

While speaking to Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman about Sunday's three-team trade that sent defensive ace Lu Dort to the Atlanta Hawks, Presti confirmed that getting under the second tax apron was the main factor that led to the decision.

"Yes, that's accurate. We were comfortable being over the second apron with this team and how we were uniquely constructed. We have been consistent with that view for a few years now. This was a financial decision," Presti said. "The impression I have been given is that the savings generated this summer, and from being out of the tax the last several years, will be re-allocated to future teams. Along with other new well-documented revenue streams, this will allow us to make more basketball-related decisions over the next several years."

The Thunder acquired three second-round picks in Sunday's deal, which also sent 2024 No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher to the Dallas Mavericks and second-year guard Ryan Nembhard to the Hawks. Per ESPN's Shams Charania, Oklahoma City "has now acquired seven second-round picks while going under the second apron and shedding $200 million this offseason via the trades of Dort, Isaiah Joe and Aaron Wiggins."

Trading depth players will allow the Thunder to handle the astronomical contracts of stars Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren while still adding talent around them to help the team maintain its status as a title contender for years to come.

"We have a team that is capable of contention," Presti said. "And as I understand it, the decisions this summer have positioned us financially to maintain a team of this caliber."