BREAKING: Nuggets ACQUIRE Dalton Knecht in a three-team deal with the Lakers.

The Denver Nuggets are officially in offseason mode after a heartbreaking seven-game series loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Semifinals. For the second straight season, Nikola Jokic and his squad fell short of reaching the NBA Finals despite being reigning champions and heavy favorites.

The recurring theme of offensive inconsistency—particularly from beyond the arc—has prompted league insiders to speculate that Denver will aggressively pursue roster upgrades. One name now drawing serious attention is Dalton Knecht, the 24-year-old Los Angeles Lakers sharpshooter who might be on the move this summer.

Dalton Knecht: A Perfect Fit Next to Jokic?

Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz listed Dalton Knecht as one of the Nuggets’ dream targets for the 2025 offseason, noting that Denver could emerge as a third team in a potential Lakers trade for a center. According to Swartz:

“Knecht is the perfect catch-and-shoot option to put on the court next to Jokic, with the Nuggets possibly jumping in as a third team if the Lakers attempt to trade for a new starting center.”

The logic is clear: Nikola Jokic, with his otherworldly passing vision and low-post dominance, thrives when surrounded by knockdown shooters. Knecht, despite a shaky rookie season in some respects, fits the mold of the type of floor spacer who could amplify Jokic’s offensive impact.

Dalton Knecht’s 2024-25 Rookie Season: A Tale of Two Halves

Dalton Knecht wrapped up his rookie campaign averaging 9.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, 0.8 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game, while shooting 37.6% from three-point range. While those numbers might appear modest, the story behind them paints a far more promising picture.

Knecht struggled during December 2024, shooting an abysmal 15.6% from three as he hit the infamous “rookie wall.” However, he rebounded with poise and composure, finishing the season with shooting splits of 42.0% from beyond the arc in March and a blistering 45.5% in April.

Despite the strong finish, JJ Redick opted to leave him out of the Lakers’ playoff rotation, signaling that the franchise might be open to moving on.

Lakers Willing to Part Ways With Knecht

The Lakers’ treatment of Knecht during the postseason added fuel to speculation. In fact, Knecht was previously included in a proposed trade for Mark Williams, a deal that was eventually rescinded.

That inclusion—and the Lakers’ readiness to bench him in the playoffs—indicates a willingness to use Knecht as trade bait, especially in pursuit of a defensive anchor in the paint.

If that’s the case, and if the Lakers are willing to include a third team to facilitate the move, the Denver Nuggets might pounce.

Denver’s Playoff Loss Exposed a Serious Flaw

One of the biggest reasons the Nuggets were eliminated was their inability to stretch the floor effectively. In their series loss to Oklahoma City, Denver shot a measly 31.4% from three-point range. Outside of Aaron Gordon, who shot a surprising 44.1% from deep, the rest of the rotation failed to keep defenses honest.

That poor perimeter shooting allowed the Thunder to clog the paint and collapse on Jokic, daring others to beat them from distance. They didn’t. The lack of spacing stifled Denver’s offense and revealed a clear weakness.

This is where Dalton Knecht’s elite catch-and-shoot ability becomes highly valuable.

Why Dalton Knecht Makes Sense for Denver

Knecht is more than just a streaky shooter—he’s a proven off-ball mover, able to navigate screens and find open space. His gravity, even as a young player, would demand attention from opposing defenders.

• Nikola Jokic is at his best when surrounded by players who don’t need the ball to be effective.

• Knecht’s spacing would give Jokic more room to operate, making double-teams riskier for opponents.

Moreover, Knecht’s development curve suggests he’s capable of improving further under a system like Michael Malone’s, which values smart movement, spacing, and defensive awareness.

Defensive Concerns and the Trade-Off

Of course, the biggest knock on Dalton Knecht has been his defensive liabilities. That was a primary reason JJ Redick didn’t trust him during the postseason, where defensive versatility becomes essential.

The Denver Nuggets, already reeling from defensive lapses in their playoff exit, must weigh whether adding Knecht’s offense is worth the defensive risk. However, playing alongside elite defenders like Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun could mitigate some of those concerns.

And if the Nuggets are unwilling to include core defenders in any deal, Knecht could slot in as a specialist scorer off the bench, rather than a full-time starter.

Would the Lakers Really Help a Western Conference Rival?

One major sticking point is the Lakers’ willingness to help the Nuggets, a direct competitor in the Western Conference. With LeBron James likely returning for one final run, aiding a team like Denver might not be ideal from L.A.’s perspective.

However, if including the Nuggets as a third team is the best path to landing a top-tier starting center, the Lakers may ultimately put need over rivalry.

This opens the door for Denver to swoop in and snag a low-cost shooter with upside.

Alternative Targets: Royce O’Neal and Keon Ellis

If Knecht proves too difficult to acquire—or if the Lakers block the move entirely—Greg Swartz lists two other intriguing options for Denver:

• Royce O’Neal (Phoenix Suns): Averaged 9.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and shot 40.6% from three. O’Neal is also a rugged defender capable of guarding multiple positions.

• Keon Ellis (Sacramento Kings): Put up 8.3 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and shot 43.3% from deep. He’s a younger, defensive-minded guard with a strong shooting profile.

Both players bring a combination of perimeter defense and three-point shooting, a combo the Nuggets are in desperate need of.

Will the Nuggets Break Up Their Core?

According to multiple sources, the Nuggets are reluctant to shake up their core. Jokic is obviously untouchable, and reports suggest the same goes for Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and Christian Braun.

That limits their trade flexibility. But it also underscores why a low-cost shooter like Knecht could be their best option—he wouldn’t require parting with foundational pieces.

Instead, Denver could utilize picks and role players to sneak into a larger trade involving L.A., positioning themselves to steal a valuable asset.

Conclusion: A Sneaky Move That Could Reignite Denver’s Offense

The Denver Nuggets are at a pivotal crossroads. Their championship window remains wide open, but glaring weaknesses—particularly from three-point range—must be addressed.

Acquiring Dalton Knecht in a three-team deal involving the Lakers could prove to be a masterstroke, giving Jokic a young sharpshooter capable of taking pressure off Denver’s MVP.

While defensive issues remain, the upside is too great to ignore—especially if Denver can acquire Knecht without touching its championship nucleus.

Whether or not the Lakers are willing to cooperate remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: Denver must prioritize perimeter shooting this offseason.

And Dalton Knecht, with his evolving jumper and off-ball savvy, might be exactly what Jokic needs to fuel another title run.