Dalton Knecht has seen his playing time diminish significantly under Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick over the past two weeks, prompting the forward to be open to a trade before Thursday’s deadline. Knecht is reportedly willing to start fresh with another team if the Lakers can find a suitable trading partner, according to The Athletic’s Dan Woike.
Known initially for his strong shooting ability, Knecht’s value has declined this season due to defensive challenges and inconsistent production. While playoff contenders might benefit from his three-point shooting, interest may come more from rebuilding teams that can offer him significant minutes.
Potential Teams Interested in Dalton Knecht
Among possible destinations, the San Antonio Spurs stand out as a likely fit for Knecht. Despite their solid 33-16 record and second-best standing in the Western Conference, the Spurs rank low in three-point shooting percentage (23rd at 34.6%), which suggests a need for shooting reinforcements. Their defensive cover provided by Victor Wembanyama’s size and mobility allows them some flexibility in accommodating a player with defensive limitations.
Other teams such as the Indiana Pacers and Dallas Mavericks also represent plausible options. The Pacers could strategically acquire Knecht as they prepare for Tyrese Haliburton’s return from a torn Achilles next season. Given Haliburton’s reputation for drawing defensive attention, a dependable shooter like Knecht could fit well in their offensive schemes.
The Mavericks face a different scenario, as Knecht’s skill set closely resembles that of Klay Thompson, a player currently linked with trade rumors. If Thompson were to be traded either at the deadline or in the offseason, Dallas might look to Knecht as a less expensive way to maintain some shooting production without affecting their long-term prospects.
Challenges and Trade Value Considerations
Despite some interest from specific teams, the reality of trading Knecht appears uncertain. Broderick Turner of the Los Angeles Times reported that opposing clubs have shown limited enthusiasm for trading for Knecht, emphasizing that the chances of a deal are slim.
Last season, a potential trade to the Charlotte Hornets almost materialized in exchange for Mark Williams but was canceled by the Lakers after Williams failed a physical due to durability concerns. At that time, Knecht’s value was notably higher, having shot 37.6 percent from beyond the arc over 78 games as a rookie. This season, his three-point accuracy has dropped to 31.3 percent in 40 appearances.
If prospective teams believe Knecht can return to his rookie form, acquiring him at a low cost might provide worthwhile upside. However, the Lakers’ likely return in any trade would be modest, reflecting his reduced role and current statistical decline.
Knecht’s Status and Lakers’ Strategic Options
Knecht has barely featured recently for Los Angeles, playing only 28 minutes across his last seven games, including four in which he did not dress. This marginalization suggests the Lakers do not see him as part of their core rotation moving forward.
The Lakers face a difficult decision, as Knecht was a high draft pick (No. 17 overall in 2024) and selling low would mean accepting diminished value. Nonetheless, securing any return before the deadline could prove beneficial to the team’s roster management.
Implications for the Trade Deadline and Beyond
The unfolding situation involving Dalton Knecht highlights the strategic balancing act teams face ahead of the trade deadline. For the Lakers, finding a deal—even if it yields minimal return—could free up roster space and allow focus on players more central to their championship hopes.
For teams like the Spurs, Pacers, and Mavericks, securing a shooter capable of providing offensive depth could improve their squad depth or prepare them for future roster shifts. Knecht’s trade dialogue potentially signals a market for players with specialized shooting talents, even as defensive limitations and recent struggles temper demand.
