Lakers Trade Rumors: Dalton Knecht Drawing Little Interest Ahead of NBA Trade Deadline

As the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline rapidly approaches, the Los Angeles Lakers continue to explore roster upgrades aimed at strengthening their playoff push. However, one potential trade chip the organization once viewed as a future cornerstone has reportedly failed to attract meaningful interest across the league. According to multiple insiders, second-year wing Dalton Knecht has generated little to no trade interest, complicating the Lakers’ efforts to package him in deadline deals.

The Lakers have been actively shopping Knecht alongside several expiring contracts, including Rui Hachimura, Gabe Vincent, and Maxi Kleber, in hopes of landing a notable rotation upgrade. Yet despite those efforts, rival teams appear unconvinced that Knecht adds significant value to potential trade packages.

Dalton Knecht Failing to Move the Needle in Trade Talks

NBA insider Evan Sidery was among the first to report the lack of league-wide interest in Knecht, delivering a sobering update on the Lakers’ trade leverage.

“The Lakers have discovered little to no trade interest on Dalton Knecht,” Sidery reported on X.

“Los Angeles is shopping Knecht alongside expiring contracts to acquire a notable rotation upgrade. Knecht is averaging 7.7 points while shooting 36.4% on threes since being drafted No. 17 overall in 2024.”

While Knecht’s shooting numbers are respectable for a young wing, they have not been enough to outweigh concerns about his consistency, defense, and declining role within the Lakers’ rotation.

Once Touted as a Draft Steal

The lack of trade interest marks a stark contrast from Knecht’s reputation just over a year ago. Drafted No. 17 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, the former Tennessee standout was widely considered one of the biggest steals of the class. Many analysts believed Knecht had lottery-level talent, especially as a movement shooter with NBA-ready size and scoring instincts.

Lakers head coach JJ Redick was reportedly ecstatic when Knecht slid out of the lottery. According to team sources, Redick immediately began designing offensive sets tailored to Knecht’s shooting ability, viewing him as a key piece of the franchise’s future core.

At the time, Knecht appeared to fit perfectly alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis—a floor-spacer capable of punishing defenses for collapsing into the paint. Expectations were high, and early-season minutes suggested the coaching staff was committed to developing him.

Role Shrinks Dramatically in Year Two

However, Knecht’s trajectory with the Lakers has gone sharply downward. Now 24 years old, the second-year wing has struggled to establish a consistent role under Redick, who has prioritized defensive effort and lineup reliability amid the Lakers’ uneven season.

Since the Jan. 19 win over the Toronto Raptors, Knecht has not logged meaningful minutes. In that game, he appeared for just two minutes of garbage time, marking what would become the beginning of an extended stretch of DNPs (Did Not Play).

Earlier in the season, Knecht was part of the regular rotation:

• October: 19.2 minutes per game

• November: 15.5 minutes per game

• December: 7.8 minutes per game

That steep decline ultimately led to a brief G League assignment, a significant step back for a player once viewed as a long-term contributor.

G League Dominance, NBA Inconsistency

In his lone G League appearance, Knecht showcased his scoring ability by dropping 30 points, a reminder of the offensive talent that made him such an intriguing draft prospect. He was quickly recalled to the Lakers afterward, but the dominant performance did not translate into sustained NBA opportunities.

Since returning, Knecht has largely been limited to spot appearances or late-game minutes with outcomes already decided. The disconnect between his G League success and NBA role has raised questions about his fit, defensive reliability, and ability to contribute to a team with immediate playoff aspirations.

Redick’s Early Confidence Has Faded

At the beginning of the season, Redick publicly expressed confidence in Knecht, especially when Austin Reaves missed extended time due to injury.

“Yeah, Dalton will get a look for the foreseeable future,” Redick said ahead of the Lakers’ first game of 2026.

“Play hard. That’s the biggest point of emphasis for him all season. He’s not gonna be judged on whether he makes or misses shots, but that helps.”

Redick emphasized effort and consistency over shooting percentages, suggesting Knecht would be rewarded for energy and competitiveness. However, as the season progressed, Redick increasingly leaned on veterans and defensive-minded players, leaving Knecht on the outside looking in.

“When you go through a stretch where you feel like your team isn’t playing hard, you gotta play the guys that are consistently playing hard,” Redick added.

Those comments, in hindsight, hint at why Knecht’s minutes evaporated.

Lakers Searching for 3-and-D Help

With Knecht failing to generate trade buzz, the Lakers are pressing forward in their search for 3-and-D wings and defensive upgrades. The team currently ranks 25th in defensive rating, a major concern for a roster built around aging stars and postseason expectations.

Several names have surfaced as potential trade targets, including:

• Andrew Wiggins (Miami Heat)

• Keon Ellis (Sacramento Kings)

• Peyton Watson (Denver Nuggets)

• De’Andre Hunter (Cleveland Cavaliers)

• Jonathan Kuminga (Golden State Warriors)

• Miles Bridges (Charlotte Hornets)

The Lakers have also explored options in the frontcourt, with interest reportedly shown in:

• Yves Missi (New Orleans Pelicans)

• Daniel Gafford (Dallas Mavericks)

• Nic Claxton (Brooklyn Nets)

Each of these players would address specific roster weaknesses, particularly perimeter defense and rim protection—two areas where the Lakers have struggled throughout the season.

What Knecht’s Lack of Value Means for Los Angeles

The reality that Knecht holds limited trade value complicates the Lakers’ deadline strategy. Without an appealing young asset, Los Angeles may need to rely more heavily on future draft capital, absorb longer-term contracts, or settle for marginal upgrades instead of impact additions.

It also raises broader questions about player development and evaluation within the organization. Knecht’s rapid fall from “draft steal” to fringe rotation player underscores how quickly perceptions can shift in the NBA—especially on a team where patience is often sacrificed for immediate results.

Deadline Pressure Mounting

With the clock ticking toward Feb. 5, the Lakers remain under pressure to improve defensively while maximizing the remaining championship window around LeBron James. Whether Knecht is ultimately moved, retained as depth, or included in a larger multi-team deal remains to be seen.

What is clear, however, is that Dalton Knecht is no longer viewed as a cornerstone asset—either internally or around the league. As the trade deadline nears, his situation serves as a reminder of how unforgiving the NBA can be, particularly for young players trying to carve out a role on a win-now team like the Los Angeles Lakers.