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The Atlanta Hawks undeniably improved in the aftermath of the Lu Dort/Zaccharie Risacher trade.
As much promise as Risacher still holds - even following a disappointing 2025-26 campaign - Dort is a world-class defensive player and NBA champion.
At 27, he's accomplished everything defensive-specialists dreams of, except taking home Defensive Player of the Year. Likely to come off the bench in his first season with the Hawks, he won't have a great shot at doing so, but it doesn't mean his impact won't remain great.
What it ultimately took Atlanta to land him and Ryan Nembhard in the same deal, proves that while the Hawks are clearly set on improving, they don't want to steer away from their current path of impressive flexibility.
Hawks won the bidding war without getting rid of much value
Many teams around the league wanted the All-Defensive wing. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, several squads "expressed trade interest in acquiring Dort before he was traded to Atlanta, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, Toronto Raptors, and Miami Heat," alluding to yet another Onsi Saleh victory.
After being promoted to president of basketball operations not long after being named the runner-up for Executive of the Year, Saleh hasn't shifted towards complacency in the least.
It's easy to settle, but the modern NBA landscape heavily suggests against it. Saleh's been around long enough to know it.
To acquire Dort after it was clear they needed some defensive improvements, Atlanta only had to give up Zaccharie Risacher and three second-round picks. The expectation among all interested teams was that Oklahoma City would command a first in return.
All they got from Atlanta was three seconds. The deal was expanded, too, sending Risacher to Dallas.
Saleh had leverage in negotiations, as it was clear the Thunder were more focused on shedding salary than anything. It's another example of quality decision-making from the Hawks' front office.
Hawks have somehow managed to improve without much sacrifice
That was the biggest question heading into this pivotal summer. Would the Hawks remain focused on the future and limit their immediate success, or would they prioritize both in a financially-efficient way?
It should've been assumed that Saleh would be able to hit both. His first full season as Atlanta's lead decision-maker was a success, despite a first-round postseason exit.
The Hawks are on the right path, and thanks to their president of basketball operations, they're likely going to stay there for many, many years to come.
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This article was originally published on soaringdownsouth.com as Hawks' final package for Lu Dort shows Onsi Saleh hasn't lost focus.
