Blockbuster 3-team NBA trade has one clear winner

Nathan ZunigaMon, July 20, 2026 at 12:49 PM UTC·2 min read

It seemed as though the NBA offseason had come to a standstill, with most big-name free agents already signing with their new teams.

Then the Dallas Mavericks, Atlanta Hawks, and Oklahoma City Thunder put life into the off-season. The teams are off a three-team trade that could end up benefiting all three franchises.

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While each team walked away gaining their wants, there was one team that clearly came out on top. Here’s how each team benefited from the trade:

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The Hawks added Luguentz Dort, giving them another elite defender to pair with reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Dyson Daniels. The pair will undoubtedly form the NBA’s best defensive backcourt, giving opposing guards nightmares. Atlanta also picked up Ryan Nembhard, a young guard who showed he can be a solid rotational player with Dallas last season.

While neither addition is extremely flashy, both fit the identity the Hawks are building.

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The Thunder didn’t land any players in the deal, but they still came away as winners.

Oklahoma City accomplished exactly what it needed to. The Thunder stayed below the second apron while adding multiple second-round draft picks. The front office added even more draft capital to an already impressive collection.

For a team already loaded with talent, financial flexibility is the most important thing to remain at the top of the NBA.

Dallas landed the player with the highest upside. While Zaccharie Risacher hasn’t lived up to expectations so far, he’s still a former No. 1 overall pick. He’s young and has a high ceiling.

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The Mavericks are in no rush to contend. If they can develop Risacher, this trade could look like a steal in a few years. Even if he never reaches his ceiling, he’s already a serviceable backup. Dallas also acquired a second-round pick.

Overall, the Mavericks gained a second-round pick and added a player with immense upside while giving up very little.

With all three teams improving through this trade, it might seem difficult to pick a winner. Instead, Dallas came out as the clear winner. Risacher still has the ceiling and talent of a number one pick. The Mavericks lost invaluable pieces and have everything to gain.

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