There's reportedly widespread belief in NBA circles that the Lakers have a specific plan for Dalton Knecht this offseason

The Los Angeles Lakers attempted to trade former Tennessee Vols guard Dalton Knecht to the Charlotte Hornets this past season, but the deal was rescinded due to concerns over center Mark Williams' physical (Williams was the player heading from the Hornets to the Lakers in the deal).

Knecht, a first round selection by Los Angeles in the 2024 NBA Draft, actually reported to the Hornets (though he didn't suit up for a game) before getting returned to the Lakers. 

The former Vol eventually settled back into his role with the Lakers. But based on a recent report from Bleacher Report's Eric Pincus, Knecht probably shouldn't get too comfortable in Los Angeles this offseason. 

Pincus noted this week that it's "widely believed in NBA circles" that the Lakers are going to use Knecht as "trade bait" this offseason in an effort to land a big man. 

From Bleacher Report: Daniel Gafford is 6'10" and 265 pounds and is a two-way solution around the rim. He'll turn 27 in October and is heading into the final year of his contract with the Mavericks at $14.4 million.

The Lakers would have to send out at least that amount of salary to avoid getting hard-capped at the first apron ($195.9 million). 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.

Knecht's salary ($4 million) isn't enough for Gafford without L.A. including one of Gabe Vincent ($11.5 million expiring), Maxi Kleber ($11 million expiring) or Jarred Vanderbilt ($11.6 million, with two additional seasons remaining)....Assuming that L.A. can get Dallas to risk additional backlash, the Mavericks do not need those players. Instead, the Lakers might need to loop in a third and/or fourth team like the Orlando Magic, who could use a shooter like Knecht, or the Nets, who might take on expiring salary for draft picks and young players (perhaps Jett Howard from Orlando, son of Juwan Howard, an assistant coach in Brooklyn).

It definitely wouldn't be a surprise to see Knecht traded this offseason. He proved as a rookie that he can be an effective scorer in the NBA. Any team that considers making at trade with the Lakers will likely demand that Knecht is included the deal. And with Luka Doncic now on the roster, the Lakers can easily afford to trade Knecht.