Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht was viewed as a bright young prospect with significant upside as a scoring threat, primarily as a perimeter shooter, early last season. Although the 24-year-old impressed early on, his production began declining toward the end of the season.
After almost being traded to the Charlotte Hornets before the trade deadline last season, Dalton Knecht saw a significant reduction in playing time. He eventually ended the 2024-25 season with an average of 9.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.5 turnovers per game, on 46.1% shooting overall and 37.6% from three-point range.
While this might have made him a likely trade candidate entering the offseason, his performances at Summer League hurt his trade value.
Given that demand for Knecht in the trade market was already cooling, the preseason would have been the ideal opportunity for the guard to assert himself. In the first preseason game against the Phoenix Suns, he recorded six points and six rebounds to go with three assists. Against the Golden State Warriors, he posted 12 points and six rebounds.
While these are modest, his shooting figures of 3-for-14 from three-point range over the two games and 5-for-21 overall paint a concerning picture for the sophomore guard.
According to recent reports, Dalton Knecht has been viewed as a “negative asset” after a slow start to the preseason. Given that the Lakers could risk seeing his value drop further, we explore three different trade ideas to help the Purple and Gold maximize their return.
Dalton Knecht Joins The Brooklyn Nets
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Drake Powell, 2027 second-round pick (LAL), 2028 second-round pick (ATL)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: Dalton Knecht
For the Brooklyn Nets, this could be an interesting move. Although it would require them to give up their first-round pick from this year’s draft, along with two second-round picks, acquiring Dalton Knecht could make sense.
Brooklyn has embraced the rebuild path. By stockpiling draft capital and adding players on low-cost contracts, the Nets have positioned themselves to be a developmental team for the next few years. Given that the team features two formidable offensive players in Michael Porter Jr. and Cam Thomas in their main rotation, adding a player like Knecht could help bring balance to their depth.
On a rebuilding team, Knecht could have more avenues to develop his offensive game. With more latitude to establish himself as a scoring contributor, the guard could potentially carve out a greater role for himself in the rotation, too.
Meanwhile, the Lakers benefit a lot more from this deal.
In this trade scenario, Los Angeles brings back its second-round pick from 2027, along with another valuable second-rounder for the 2028 draft. Aside from the two draft picks, the Purple and Gold would also see the arrival of Drake Powell, the No. 22 overall pick from the 2025 draft.
Powell has been projected as a defensive-minded player. During his last college season, Powell averaged 7.4 points, 3.7 rebounds, 0.7 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game on 48.3% shooting overall and 37.9% from three-point range.
While boasting solid physical tools, the 6’6″ guard has the potential to develop into a reliable two-way threat, although the process would require proper developmental investment from Los Angeles.
The Lakers Can Acquire Josh Green From Charlotte
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Josh Green, 2027 first-round pick (MIA), 2029 second-round pick (DEN)
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Dalton Knecht
In this scenario, the acquisition of Josh Green, along with a potential first-round pick (top-14 protected) and a second-rounder, could be much more favorable for Los Angeles.
Green, who is an established role player, has proven himself to be an asset on both ends of the floor. In 68 games with Charlotte last season, the guard emerged as a solid contributor, averaging 7.4 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game, shooting 42.8% from the field and 39.1% from three-point range.
Under ordinary circumstances, the Hornets could be averse to such a deal. But with Green sustaining a shoulder injury in June this year and lacking a clear return timeline, Charlotte could pivot to acquire a young guard with developmental upside.
Acquiring Dalton Knecht could align with the Hornets’ approach towards roster building. As a young player who fits their timeline, Knecht could be a huge boost to the team’s bench. After the initial trade to acquire him was voided by the Lakers last season, Charlotte could finally get the guard at a significantly discounted price.
The Toronto Raptors Could Acquire Dalton Knecht
Proposed Trade Details
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Ja’Kobe Walter, 2031 first-round pick, 2026 second-round pick (LAL)
Toronto Raptors Receive: Dalton Knecht
This trade scenario may be the most ambitious of the three, but it could still hold merit for both teams involved.
For the Lakers, this trade goes beyond the acquisition of two valuable draft picks, including their second-rounder from next year’s draft. The potential arrival of Ja’Kobe Walter could prove to be quite beneficial in the right situation.
The 21-year-old has positioned himself as an impactful defensive prospect with the potential to develop into a valuable 3-and-D rotation player. During his rookie season with the Toronto Raptors, Walter averaged 8.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 0.8 steals per game on 40.5% shooting from the field and 34.9% from three-point range.
Although his shot-creation skill could require some development due to his limited ball-handling abilities, the Lakers could see real value in acquiring the 21-year-old.
Meanwhile, Dalton Knecht’s addition, while positive, may not earn him guaranteed minutes on the Raptors, primarily due to the presence of a player like Gradey Dick.
Dalton Knecht has shown that he is more than just a three-point shooter. With more layers to his offensive game, the guard could look to develop his overall offensive repertoire to assert his place in the rotation. Although the task of winning minutes over Dick and Ochai Agbaji could be a challenge, it could help him develop into a more complete player.
The Lakers May Hold Onto Knecht
While there is enough evidence to suggest that Los Angeles could be considering a trade to move Knecht, the team may instead opt to hold onto him to facilitate a future deal.
At the current juncture, the Purple and Gold are unlikely to pull the trigger on any deals, especially with negotiations for Andrew Wiggins falling apart recently. When considering that the front office remains inclined to make a move to boost the team’s roster, the Lakers are more likely to assess player performances to facilitate a trade during the course of the season.
With that being said, the 24-year-old could also have an opportunity to redeem himself. Given that this would also benefit the Lakers, as it would boost his trade value as well, the situation appears to be a win-win for both parties.
