Are the Brooklyn Nets targeting Dalton Knecht? A bold deal is being considered.

The Brooklyn Nets have made it abundantly clear this offseason—they’re all in on the rebuild. After years of chasing superstars like Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden, only to watch the experiment collapse under the weight of chemistry issues and playoff failures, the franchise has pivoted. The new direction? Smart drafting, calculated trades, and long-term roster building.

Their most aggressive move came during the 2025 NBA Draft, where the Nets made history by selecting five players—an NBA record. But the front office isn’t stopping there. The goal is not just to accumulate young talent but to mold a sustainable, competitive core. And in that vision, Dalton Knecht may become a crucial addition.

The Three-Team Trade Proposal That Shakes the League

A recent mock trade proposed by Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus has stirred major conversation in league circles. The blockbuster involves the Brooklyn Nets, Dallas Mavericks, and Los Angeles Lakers. While most of the headlines are centered around the Mavericks acquiring LeBron James and Bronny James, the underappreciated detail is Brooklyn’s quiet gain of promising wing Dalton Knecht.

Here’s the breakdown of what each team receives:

Mavericks receive:

• LeBron James (from Lakers)

• Bronny James (from Lakers)

• Drew Timme (from Nets)

• Tyrese Martin (from Nets)

• $1.8 million trade exception (Dwight Powell)

• $1.1 million trade exception (Olivier-Maxence Prosper)

Lakers receive:

• Daniel Gafford, PJ Washington, Naji Marshall, Caleb Martin, and Jaden Hardy (from Mavericks)

• 2030 and 2031 second-round picks (from Nets)

• $24.1 million trade exception (LeBron James)

Nets receive:

• Dalton Knecht and Maxi Kleber (from Lakers)

• Olivier-Maxence Prosper and Dwight Powell (from Mavericks)

At first glance, the Nets don’t walk away with any flashy draft picks. But a deeper look reveals the acquisition of Dalton Knecht, who could be a key contributor in their long-term plans.

Why Dalton Knecht Fits Brooklyn’s Vision

Dalton Knecht, the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, played his rookie season with the Lakers. He averaged 9.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and shot 37.6% from three in 78 games while playing just 19.2 minutes per contest. Despite his limited playing time, Knecht displayed promise as a versatile scorer who can shoot off the catch, handle the ball in space, and compete defensively.

At 24 years old, Knecht is slightly older than most second-year players, but that may be a strength for the Nets. As a more mature rookie, he brings immediate stability and a high basketball IQ. He’s physically ready for NBA play and mentally prepared to grow with a young, hungry team.

In a Nets system that values development and spacing, Knecht could thrive. His shooting would be an ideal complement to Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and Quentin Grimes on the perimeter. As defenses collapse on Maxey’s drives, Knecht would be waiting on the wings, ready to fire.

Nets’ Subtractions: Minimal Losses for Maximum Upside

To acquire Knecht, the Nets would be giving up Drew Timme, Tyrese Martin, and two second-round picks. Neither Timme nor Martin is guaranteed a spot on the regular-season roster due to the influx of new draftees and recent acquisitions like Michael Porter Jr. and Terance Mann.

While second-round picks have grown in value under the new CBA rules, the upside of securing a player like Knecht—who’s already proven himself on the NBA stage—far outweighs the potential of those picks.

How Knecht Would Integrate into Brooklyn’s Core

Brooklyn’s current young core includes:

• Tyrese Maxey – explosive guard and newly-extended franchise player

• VJ Edgecombe – elite rookie prospect with two-way potential

• Quentin Grimes – solid 3&D option

• Michael Porter Jr. – high-upside wing with scoring prowess

• Day’Ron Sharpe – developing big man with rebounding ability

• Possibly Cam Thomas, if re-signed

Adding Dalton Knecht would provide a balanced scoring option on the wing who can create his own shot and also play off the ball. His presence might allow Cam Thomas (if retained) to move into a more natural sixth-man role, optimizing Brooklyn’s rotation.

In the long term, Knecht projects as either a starting shooting guard or small forward, depending on the team’s direction. He fits seamlessly into modern NBA lineups that prioritize shooting, switchability, and pace.

The Strategy Behind Brooklyn’s Rebuild

Unlike the chaotic “superteam” experiment of years past, the Nets’ current rebuild is rooted in patience and planning. Sean Marks has made it clear that they are building through youth, value trades, and internal development.

Instead of focusing purely on assets, this proposed trade shows that the Nets are also targeting NBA-ready players with upside. Knecht isn’t just a “throw-in” to balance salaries—he’s a potential rotation fixture for the next five years.

By not tying themselves to long-term financial obligations and maintaining flexibility, the Nets are in a rare position of control. With a mountain of draft capital and young, malleable talent, they can choose whether to push forward with their current group or consolidate assets for a future star.

Could Brooklyn Become a Contender Sooner Than Expected?

With the Eastern Conference in flux—Boston strong but top-heavy, Milwaukee aging, and Miami inconsistent—there’s a path for the Nets to rise faster than expected. If the young players blossom together and health holds, Brooklyn could be a play-in contender by 2026 and a legitimate playoff threat soon after.

Players like Dalton Knecht are essential to that vision—not household names, but high-upside glue guys who turn rosters into teams.

Final Thoughts: Is This Trade Worth It for Brooklyn?

Absolutely. While other teams in the deal chase headlines—Dallas with LeBron, L.A. with roster reconstruction—the Nets quietly walk away with one of the most valuable long-term assets in the trade. Dalton Knecht has the tools, the mindset, and the shooting stroke to be a cornerstone piece of Brooklyn’s next era.

In a league where finding cost-controlled, reliable talent is harder than ever, this trade is exactly the type of forward-thinking move the Brooklyn Nets should make.