Lakers to Trade Dalton Knecht? Inside the Sudden Shift Putting $18M Sharpshooter on the Block

Trade chatter around second-year wing Dalton Knecht is growing louder after multiple outlets signaled the Los Angeles Lakers may move him this summer. The Sporting News reported that team insiders “must part ways” with the 2024 first-round pick following nine straight DNPs, adding that Knecht’s $4.2 million 2026-27 option makes him a likely salary-match throw-in rather than a core rotation piece. That prediction stands in stark contrast to last October, when L.A. exercised the option believing the 6-6 scorer would flourish under new head coach JJ Redick. Instead, Redick’s guard-heavy rotation hardened after the mid-season arrival of Luka Doncic, and Knecht’s minutes vanished. He has logged just 46 total minutes since the All-Star break, slipping behind rookies Jared McCain and Skyy Clark on the depth chart. League sources say Charlotte—who nearly acquired Knecht at the 2025 deadline before medical concerns nixed the deal—has renewed interest. The Hornets own two second-round picks in 2027 and a $7 million trade exception, both assets that could facilitate a low-risk flyer on the former Tennessee standout. Other suitors mentioned include the Indiana Pacers, still searching for affordable shooting around Tyrese Haliburton, and the Memphis Grizzlies, whose new front office values Knecht’s 40.7 percent career G-League three-point mark. From the Lakers’ perspective, clearing Knecht’s guaranteed salary helps them duck the new second tax apron while preserving flexibility to re-sign free-agent big man Jonas Valančiūnas. Knecht’s exit would also open a roster spot for two-way surprise Juan Nuñez, whose playmaking drew rave reviews in April call-ups. Knecht, however, still owns intriguing upside. Scouts remember his 27-point eruption against Golden State last November and his strong on-ball defense against Brandon Ingram two nights later. At 23, his athletic prime is ahead of him, and his low salary is attractive with the cap projected to hit $159 million next season. Key questions now: • Can the Lakers package Knecht with the No. 28 pick to chase a veteran 3-and-D forward? • Will Charlotte gamble that a full summer program revives the confident shot-maker who averaged 21.7 ppg as an SEC All-American? • Could Redick rethink his stance if LeBron James’ sciatic flare-up lingers into training camp? Expect clarity before draft night, when Los Angeles historically finalizes salary-balancing deals. If Knecht is indeed shipped out, the move will cap a swift reversal—from prized October investment to expendable June trade chip—in less than eight months. Either way, his name will stay hot on trade trackers as one of the league’s most affordable potential floor-spacers this offseason.