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Three potential trade destinations for Dalton Knecht as LA Lakers Summer League nightmare continues

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Jul 18, 2025 3:02 PM ET

With Dalton Knecht floundering at the NBA Summer League, the LA Lakers might consider moving on from the sharpshooting guard.

Dalton Knecht impressed many fans last season with his performances. As the #17 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, there weren’t a lot of expectations for the young guard.

However, he proved to be a pivotal star for the Los Angeles Lakers, getting big minutes during the season.

Austin Reaves even called Knecht the Lakers’ breakout star. However, after a strong start to the year, his numbers went down drastically.

Luka Doncic’s arrival led to Knecht performing poorly, as his minutes were reduced significantly. This could be because of the Lakers’ failed Mark Williams trade, where Knecht almost joined the Charlotte Hornets.

And this trend of poor performances has continued this summer, as Dalton Knecht has struggled in the NBA Summer League. Could the Lakers consider trading Knecht after this run? And if so, what team would be the best spot for him?

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Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets wanted to land Dalton Knecht last season. And at the deadline, they thought they did, when they sent Mark Williams to the LA Lakers.

However, with the trade voided, Knecht returned to the Lakers. But what if the Hornets tried again? It’s clear they need a guard who can shoot the ball well, someone who can be a backup to their new rookie Kon Knueppel.

However, another Hornets rookie, Liam McNeely, looks to be an upgrade over Knecht. But the Hornets could still land Knecht and have the two guards compete for the spot.

Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies traded Desmond Bane to the Orlando Magic just a few weeks ago. As a result, they’re lacking in shooters on their roster.

The Grizzlies could look to land Knecht, who is a young shooter who can fit alongside Ja Morant. What helps is that Knecht is also a player with decent defensive potential.

If the Grizzlies develop him the right way, he could be a strong rotation player for them as they look to establish a new direction for their team.

Brooklyn Nets

At this point, the Brooklyn Nets are going to be linked to almost every star on the trade market. Even if they’re not interested in Knecht, he can be a solid salary cap filler for them.

Furthermore, as the Nets look to build around Egor Demin, they can provide him with a strong shooting outlet by landing Knecht and adding him to their rotation.

The trade becomes even more appetizing for Lakers fans when they realize they can make this deal without having to take on another salary, given the Nets’ abundance of cap space.

Dalton Knecht and LA Lakers might benefit from a change of scenery

Dalton Knecht’s decline with the LA Lakers since February might not be an indication of his quality as a player.

Rather, it might be that he doesn’t fit well on the team anymore since the arrival of Doncic. And that’s perfectly fine; he might actually do better in another environment.