Falling short of their back-to-back ambitions, the Oklahoma City Thunder had to say goodbye to a handful of longtime role players this summer. The cost-cutting moves were part of their first roster shakeup in years. Perhaps the biggest departure — both from a basketball and sentimental level — was Lu Dort.
The Thunder traded Dort to the Atlanta Hawks for three future second-round picks. The deal allowed OKC to get under the second apron and save a boatload of money. He leaves as one of their best developmental stories ever. In seven seasons, he went from an undrafted rookie to an All-Defense member and one-time NBA champion.
After sitting on the trade for a couple of weeks, Dort finally penned his goodbye letter to OKC. The 27-year-old took to Instagram
to write his lengthy message accompanied by a tribute video. He was tied with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for the longest-tenured Thunder player.
"Dear OKC, there are no words that could ever fully express what the 405 means to me, but one thing will always be true: I’ll forever be grateful," Dort wrote. "Thank you to the Oklahoma City Thunder organization for taking a chance on a young, overlooked kid from Montreal seven years ago. To the coaching staff, thank you for pouring so much into me day after day, year after year. To this city, thank you for making this HOME — not just for me, but for my family. And to my teammates, thank you for every battle we fought together and every challenge we faced along the way. To YOU, Loud City — I will forever appreciate the relentless support. Through all the highs and lows, you never stopped believing in us as we chased the goal of bringing this city its first championship. I wouldn’t trade my time here for anything. This place helped shape me into the man you see today, and I’ll always carry these memories with me. I leave with nothing but the deepest sense of love, gratitude, and appreciation for everyone who made this chapter so special... With love, Luuuuuuuuu. 5 out."
These are the harsh realities of the NBA. You can't keep the same group of guys forever. Eventually, roster change happens. The Thunder experienced that this summer as they had to part ways with three players who helped them bring home the Larry O'Brien trophy in 2025.
But doesn't mean you can't value your time in OKC. Dort carved out a legitimate NBA career on the Thunder. He witnessed them firsthand go from a rebuild to an NBA champion. Along the way, he developed into a household name thanks to his defense and big-time playoff performances. Good to see that reflected in his highly anticipated goodbye letter to his first NBA home.
Lu Dort says goodbye to OKC: pic.twitter.com/PnFYuVb5rH
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) August 5, 2026
Lu Dort posted a tribute video of his time on the Thunder to accompany his goodbye letter: pic.twitter.com/uf05KgMJoB
— Clemente Almanza (@CAlmanza1007) August 5, 2026
This article originally appeared on OKC Thunder Wire: Lu Dort pens heartfelt goodbye letter to OKC: 'I’ll forever be grateful'
