'The Chatter about Dalton Knecht was not good' - Former Vols guard Dalton Knecht made it more difficult for the Lakers to trade him

Rumors have swirled this summer that the Los Angeles Lakers are on the verge of trading former Tennessee Vols guard Dalton Knecht. 

Knecht, a first round selection by Los Angeles in the 2024 NBA Draft, was nearly traded to the Charlotte Hornets last season. That deal, however, was rescinded due to concerns about the health of center Mark Williams (Williams was the player the Lakers were set to receive in the deal). 

The Lakers are reportedly still interested in trading Knecht. But the former Vol's trade value is trending in the wrong direction after he struggled during Summer League action. 

"The chatter in Vegas (NBA Summer League) about Dalton Knecht was not good," said Lakers insider Jovan Buha on Sunday. "After we recorded [the podcast], Dalton played again and he had another rough game. Summer League has not helped Dalton Knecht's stock. And I don't think at this point he is valued as a first-round pick in terms of an asset valuation.

"That was what I heard in Vegas from talking to multiple people, non-Lakers people, just gauging what would you give for Dalton Knecht? Or if the Lakers are putting Dalton Knecht in a trade, what is he worth? And the feedback I got was [that he is] no longer worth a first-round valuation."