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Dalton Knecht reportedly traded by Los Angeles Lakers ahead of NBA’s trade deadline
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Dalton Knecht was traded to the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday night, according to multiple reports.
ESPN’s Shams Charania broke the news. Knecht, the 17th overall pick by the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft, was sent alongside Cam Reddish, a 2031 first-round pick, and a 2030 pick swap to the Hornets in exchange for Charlotte big man Mark Williams.
With the Lakers recently dealing Anthony Davis for Luka Doncic in a stunning move, the franchise was in the market for someone who could solidify its frontcourt. In Charlotte, with a rotation that has been destroyed by injuries, Knecht will have a chance to see a consistent role right off the bat.
In a little under 21 minutes a night, the former Tennessee wing is averaging 9.4 points per game on 46.5% shooting from the field and 35.8% shooting from deep as a rookie.
Knecht has scored in double-digits in 3 of his last 4 games. He scored a career-best 37 points on Nov. 19 against the Utah Jazz, drilling 9 of his 12 triples in a 6-point Laker win.
In the immediate future, Knecht could see a substantial role and be afforded an opportunity to ingratiate himself well with his new teammates. Starting point guard LaMelo Ball has not played since Jan. 27 with an ankle injury. Guard Cody Martin (24.8 minutes per game) hasn’t played since Jan. 24. Wing Josh Okogie, who played more than 20 minutes 4 times in 7 games after being acquired in another trade, is set to miss multiple weeks with a hamstring strain. Guard Tre Mann is out for the season with a back injury, and former Alabama star Brandon Miller underwent season-ending surgery for a wrist injury last month.
Given Charlotte’s current situation, Knecht might also have an opportunity to improve upon his case for the NBA’s Rookie of the Year honor. FanDuel currently lists Knecht at +1500 to win the award. Miami’s Kel’El Ware is the betting favorite. The No. 1 pick in this year’s class has roughly the same odds as Knecht in what is a wide-open ROY race.
A strong second half of the season could see Knecht make a run at the award. A Volunteer has never won the NBA’s Rookie of the Year honor. Tennessee fans who want to bet on Knecht can do so with one of our preferred Tennessee betting apps.
Derek Peterson does a bit of everything, not unlike Taysom Hill. He has covered Oklahoma, Nebraska, the Pac-12, and now delivers CFB-wide content.
