Dalton Knecht: The Secret Weapon in the Lakers’ Grand Plan for Next Season

In a franchise constantly navigating the razor-thin line between contention and chaos, Dalton Knecht has emerged as an unexpected centerpiece in the Los Angeles Lakers’ plans for next season. Despite being a promising first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Knecht’s future with the Lakers appears anything but secure.

As the Lakers eye a significant roster overhaul to maximize the remaining prime years of LeBron James and the long-term potential of Anthony Davis, Knecht is now being positioned as a valuable trade asset—a secret weapon in trade negotiations aimed at landing the team a formidable big man. And the drama surrounding his brief stint with the Charlotte Hornets only adds more intrigue to his unfolding NBA journey.

The Charlotte Hornets Trade Fiasco

Knecht’s NBA career took an unexpected turn just months into his rookie season. The Lakers had reportedly agreed to a deal to send Dalton Knecht to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for rising center Mark Williams. Everything seemed to be in place—Knecht even reported to the Hornets—until the trade was abruptly rescinded due to concerns surrounding Williams’ physical.

The Hornets’ center, who was expected to bolster L.A.’s frontcourt, did not pass his physical examination. As a result, Knecht returned to Los Angeles, never having suited up for Charlotte. It was a bizarre twist that highlighted just how expendable the Lakers viewed Knecht at the time.

Yet, this failed trade may have inadvertently increased Knecht’s stock. His brief detour in Charlotte made one thing clear: teams around the league view him as a legitimate NBA scorer with trade value.

Dalton Knecht’s Rookie Season: A Glimpse of Potential

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his status, Dalton Knecht showed flashes of brilliance during his rookie season in Los Angeles. A dynamic scorer with elite shooting mechanics, Knecht fit well into the Lakers’ second unit and often provided a much-needed offensive spark.

His college career at Tennessee painted the picture of a fearless scorer, and his transition to the NBA has proven that he can hold his own against elite-level competition. Though still raw in certain aspects of his game, particularly defensively, Knecht’s ability to stretch the floor and knock down shots makes him a coveted commodity in today’s three-point-heavy NBA.

Eric Pincus Report: Trade Bait Confirmed

According to a recent report by Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, Knecht is no longer just a speculative trade chip. He’s being actively discussed in NBA front offices as the key bait in the Lakers’ search for a big man this offseason.

“The bait is widely believed in NBA circles to be 2024 No. 17 overall pick Dalton Knecht, the key player who was included in the scuttled Williams deal,” said Pincus.

The Lakers are looking at potential targets like Daniel Gafford, the high-energy big man currently on the Dallas Mavericks’ roster. Gafford, known for his rim protection and vertical spacing, would fit seamlessly alongside LeBron and AD. But landing him won’t come cheap.

The Financial Puzzle: How Knecht Fits into a Larger Deal

The Lakers’ financial situation complicates things. Knecht’s rookie salary is only $4 million, while Gafford is owed $14.4 million in the final year of his deal. To make the math work under the NBA’s new collective bargaining agreement, Los Angeles would need to include one of the following players:

• Gabe Vincent: $11.5 million expiring contract

• Maxi Kleber: $11 million expiring contract

• Jarred Vanderbilt: $11.6 million with two additional seasons remaining

But Dallas doesn’t necessarily need any of those players. That’s why there’s speculation that a multi-team trade involving franchises like the Orlando Magic or Brooklyn Nets might be in the works.

Possible Trade Partners: Orlando Magic and Brooklyn Nets

The Orlando Magic, in particular, could benefit from a player like Dalton Knecht. With their young core featuring Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, the Magic are in need of a reliable floor spacer—a role Knecht can fill immediately.

If Orlando enters the deal, they could send a young player like Jett Howard, the son of NBA legend and current Nets assistant Juwan Howard, to Brooklyn. The Nets, sitting on cap space and looking for draft picks and youth, could serve as the perfect third team to absorb expiring salaries, allowing the Lakers to stay below the dreaded first tax apron ($195.9 million).

It’s complicated. But it’s also very possible—and it starts with Knecht.

The Luka Factor: Why Knecht Is Now More Expendable

Perhaps the biggest reason why the Lakers are willing to part ways with Dalton Knecht is because they’ve already landed their big offseason prize: Luka Doncic. While the report hasn’t confirmed the finalization of such a blockbuster, speculation continues to swirl that the Lakers are preparing for a seismic move.

With Doncic in the fold, the Lakers are less reliant on Knecht’s scoring ability. Luka commands the offense, controls the tempo, and creates shots for teammates. In that setup, Knecht becomes a luxury rather than a necessity—especially when his trade value could yield an impact player at a position of need.

What Makes Dalton Knecht So Valuable?

Still, it’s worth noting why NBA teams are so intrigued by Dalton Knecht:

• Elite Shooting: He can hit threes off the catch and dribble with efficiency.

• Mature Game: Despite being a rookie, Knecht plays with the poise of a seasoned pro.

• Off-Ball Movement: He doesn’t need the ball in his hands to be effective.

• High Work Ethic: Coming from a tough, defense-oriented Tennessee program, he understands the grind.

In a league where spacing, shooting, and IQ are more important than ever, Knecht offers all three—and at an affordable contract.

Should the Lakers Keep Knecht Instead?

There’s also a growing camp of fans and analysts who believe that the Lakers might be better off holding onto Knecht and developing him into a long-term rotational piece. With LeBron nearing retirement and the future of the franchise uncertain, having young, controllable talent like Knecht could help cushion the inevitable transition.

The problem is timing. The Lakers aren’t in rebuild mode. They’re in win-now mode, and if trading Knecht helps secure a better fit around their stars, then that’s the price they’re willing to pay.

Final Thoughts: Knecht’s NBA Journey Is Just Beginning

Whether he remains in Los Angeles, lands in Orlando, or finds himself on another team entirely, Dalton Knecht is poised to play a meaningful role next season. His name may not carry the weight of a star yet, but in NBA front offices, he’s considered a high-upside weapon worth gambling on.

As the Lakers’ offseason plans unfold, keep an eye on Knecht. His fate could be the linchpin in a series of moves that reshape not just the Lakers—but the entire Western Conference.

And while fans may be saddened to see a promising young player go, they should also remember: in the NBA, every championship window demands a sacrifice. For the Lakers, Dalton Knecht might be that sacrifice—the secret weapon deployed not on the court, but in the chess game of offseason maneuvering.