Among the Los Angeles Lakers‘ trade assets, sophomore wing Dalton Knecht has arguably been on the trade block for the longest time. After losing his place in the Lakers’ rotation, it is more or less likely that the 24-year-old will be moved in due time.
Although being traded typically has negative connotations, this may be the most ideal outcome for Dalton Knecht. NBA insider Marc Stein noted that Knecht could be among the many players in the league who could benefit from a fresh start. He wrote:
“Another player to watch in terms of possible fresh starts is the Lakers’ Dalton Knecht, who was traded to Charlotte a year ago before being forced to return to LA when the purple and gold rescinded its deal to acquire Mark Williams from the Hornets.”
Since his move to the Charlotte Hornets was rescinded last year, Knecht’s drop-off in production has become glaringly obvious. Given his potential, Knecht’s averages of 4.8 points and 1.6 rebounds per game this season, while underwhelming, suggest that a change of scenery could be necessary.
Although Knecht’s trade value has dropped considerably, the Lakers will still be ambitious in maximizing their returns. While aligning with this approach, we explore four trades that could help Dalton Knecht get a fresh start.
Sacramento Kings
Proposed Trade Details
Sacramento Kings Receive: Dalton Knecht
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Keon Ellis, 2027 second-round pick (CHA)
Among the several teams that could emerge as potential landing spots for Dalton Knecht, none may be as suited to the young forward as the Sacramento Kings.
Currently placed 14th in the West (12-36), the Kings are on the verge of a rebuild. While Knecht may not earn a significant role in a title-contending squad as he is now, on a rebuilding team, the 24-year-old may have more opportunities.
Sacramento’s approach to the rebuild has involved listing every player, barring Keegan Murray and Nique Clifford, and potentially Maxime Raynaud, as tradable assets. Given how young this team is expected to be, joining such a unit could help Knecht find his groove.
Meanwhile, this deal also has merit for the Lakers, who can finally acquire their ideal 3-and-D wing target in Keon Ellis, who is averaging 5.4 points and 1.1 steals per game on 36.0% shooting from three-point range.
While the Kings may be hesitant to include a second-round pick in this deal, the Lakers could instead aim to acquire Ellis and another perimeter threat in Doug McDermott.
Utah Jazz
Proposed Trade Details
Utah Jazz Receive: Dalton Knecht
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Kevin Love, 2029 second-round pick
The Utah Jazz are currently in the process of rebuilding. While their performance this season has been largely inconsistent, players such as Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, and Keyonte George have emerged as exciting pieces to build around.
While Knecht’s production hasn’t been noteworthy, he possesses the potential and skill set to be a solid contributor off the bench, effectively functioning in the same capacity as Svi Mykhailiuk. Given that many of Utah’s veterans are on expiring contracts, Knecht will have a solid opportunity to earn minutes in the rotation.
Needless to say, this deal works out perfectly for the Lakers, who have had an eye on Kevin Love since the offseason. With Love showing signs of life in Utah, averaging 6.9 points and 5.8 rebounds this season, the Purple and Gold could benefit greatly from his addition, especially when the package also features a second-round pick.
Washington Wizards
Proposed Trade Details
Washington Wizards Receive: Dalton Knecht
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Justin Champagnie, 2027 second-round pick (BKN or DAL)
The Washington Wizards are the only team that has actively embraced the rebuild path this season. Having made the blockbuster trade to acquire Trae Young from the Atlanta Hawks, the Wizards are very clearly preparing to become a more competitive team next season.
In this regard, heading to Washington could be in Knecht’s best interests. While the Wizards have veteran depth, they are largely a young team. Although this could pose a challenge for Knecht to earn consistent minutes in the rotation, if he can maximize his potential, he could be a high-value addition for Washington.
Acquiring Justin Champagnie, along with a second-round pick, may not seem very enticing for the Lakers at first glance. Still, Champagnie, who is averaging 7.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 0.8 steals per game on 50.8% shooting from the field, positions himself as a capable two-way wing, making him a solid addition to the Lakers’ bench.
New Orleans Pelicans
Proposed Trade Details
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Dalton Knecht
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Karlo Matkovich, 2030 second-round pick
Currently sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference standings, the New Orleans Pelicans are due for a massive roster overhaul. Except for Derik Queen, Jeremiah Fears, and Trey Murphy III, it would appear that everyone is up for trade.
This could be a promising situation for Dalton Knecht, who is likely to find his groove in a relatively low-pressure environment. Given that he would also be paired with a playmaking big man like Queen, Knecht may also benefit from getting more open looks, helping him regain his stroke from beyond the arc.
For the Lakers, this trade scenario is an effort to boost the team’s perimeter shooting. Karlo Matkovich has been quite effective this season, averaging 4.9 points and 3.1 rebounds per game while shooting 62.3% from the field and 45.0 from three-point range.
These stats may seem misleading since Matkovich only attempts 1.1 threes per game. Still, given his efficiency from the floor, the Purple and Gold may see some merit in acquiring as a low-cost, floor spacing big man.
The Reality Of Trade Talks Involving Dalton Knecht
Dalton Knecht, while a promising young forward, has seen a massive dip in trade value over the course of this season. From underwhelming performances at the Summer League to struggles during the preseason, Knecht has come up short in his attempts to boost his stock.
Unfortunately, this has created some obstacles in facilitating trades for the young forward as teams haven’t been inclined to take on his $4 million cap hit this season. Still, the Lakers appear determined to make a deal involving him.
The Lakers’ trade assets primarily feature their wealth of expiring contracts. In an effort to offload Knecht, the Purple and Gold are likely to package him with one or more of these assets, and a draft pick if needed, to bring in the necessary reinforcements.
The best outcome for the Lakers, however, remains elusive.
