Dalton Knecht’s Time with the Lakers Nears Its End as Trade Rumors Intensify Ahead of Deadline

Dalton Knecht’s tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers appears to be nearing its conclusion as the franchise moves closer to honoring the young guard’s recent trade request. While no deal has been officially finalized, multiple league sources indicate that the Lakers are actively exploring trade scenarios involving Knecht ahead of the upcoming NBA trade deadline.

According to ClutchPoints reporter Brett Siegel, there is a realistic possibility that Knecht could be sent to the Cleveland Cavaliers in a deal that centers around a 6-foot-7 forward, widely believed to be De’Andre Hunter. As trade discussions across the league heat up, Knecht’s name has emerged as a key asset in potential multi-team negotiations.

Lakers Expected to Grant Dalton Knecht’s Trade Request

Although the Lakers have yet to publicly comment on Knecht’s status, insiders around the league believe the organization is preparing to move on from the second-year guard. Knecht, who arrived in Los Angeles with solid expectations, has struggled to carve out a consistent role in a crowded backcourt.

With the Lakers focused on maximizing their championship window, front office decision-makers appear willing to accommodate Knecht’s desire for a fresh start—especially if it helps address roster weaknesses such as wing depth, perimeter defense, and shooting.

Cavaliers, Lakers, and Nets Linked in Potential Three-Team Trade

In his report, Siegel noted that Cleveland has been actively engaged in conversations with multiple teams regarding De’Andre Hunter, with the Brooklyn Nets emerging as a possible third team to help facilitate salary matching.

“As the Lakers continue to be linked to De’Andre Hunter, the Cavs have been in discussions with a couple of other teams regarding him,” Siegel reported.

“The Nets have come up as a third team to help facilitate money. Hunter is likely to be traded before Feb. 5.”

“There are some within the Cavs organization who like the idea of adding Dalton Knecht in a buy-low spot to get off Hunter’s contract, yet discussions have been ongoing.”

This framework suggests a scenario where Cleveland sheds Hunter’s long-term salary commitment while acquiring a younger, cost-controlled guard in Knecht. Meanwhile, the Lakers would gain a versatile forward who fits their immediate competitive timeline.

De’Andre Hunter: Once Elite 3-and-D, Now a Question Mark

Just one season ago, De’Andre Hunter would have been considered a highly attractive trade target. The former lottery pick enjoyed one of the most efficient scoring seasons of his career, averaging 17.0 points per game while shooting 47.0% from the field and an impressive 40.5% from three-point range.

That production came across two teams, as Hunter spent the first half of the season with the Atlanta Hawks before being traded to the Cavaliers at the midway point. His ability to defend multiple positions while spacing the floor made him a textbook 3-and-D wing, a player archetype highly coveted across the NBA.

However, Hunter’s value has taken a noticeable dip during the current campaign.

Shooting Regression Raises Concerns

While Hunter remains a strong and disciplined defender on the wing, his perimeter shooting has fallen off sharply. Through 42 games this season, the 27-year-old is shooting just 30.9% from beyond the arc, a steep decline from his previous efficiency.

For a player whose offensive value is closely tied to floor spacing, this regression raises legitimate concerns—particularly for teams like the Lakers that rely heavily on shooters to complement their star players.

Still, many executives around the league believe Hunter’s shooting struggles are correctable. His track record suggests this season may be an outlier rather than a permanent decline.

Why the Lakers Are Still Interested in Hunter

Despite the dip in shooting efficiency, Hunter remains an intriguing option for Los Angeles. The Lakers have been searching for a two-way wing who can guard elite scorers, play physical defense, and provide enough offense to avoid being a liability.

Hunter checks several boxes:

• Positional size and versatility at 6-foot-7

• Strong on-ball and team defense

• Playoff experience

• Ability to fit into a role without needing high usage

If the Lakers believe they can help Hunter rediscover his shooting stroke, the upside could outweigh the risk—especially if the cost is a young guard who no longer fits their long-term plans.

Dalton Knecht as a Buy-Low Asset for Cleveland

From Cleveland’s perspective, Knecht represents a potential buy-low opportunity. While he hasn’t made a significant impact in Los Angeles, the Cavaliers see value in his shooting potential and offensive upside.

A change of scenery could benefit Knecht, allowing him to develop without the pressure that comes with playing for a championship-or-bust franchise like the Lakers. Cleveland, with a more stable young core, may be better positioned to give him consistent minutes and a defined role.

Additionally, moving off Hunter’s contract would give the Cavaliers greater financial flexibility moving forward.

The Role of the Brooklyn Nets

The Brooklyn Nets’ involvement in these discussions highlights how complex the deal could become. As a potential third team, Brooklyn could absorb salary, send out expiring contracts, or acquire draft assets to make the numbers work.

Three-team trades have become increasingly common at the deadline, particularly when teams are looking to balance short-term competitiveness with long-term cap management.

Trade Deadline Pressure Builds

With the February 5 trade deadline approaching, urgency is building across the league. Cleveland is widely expected to move Hunter before the deadline, and the Lakers appear motivated to reshape their roster sooner rather than later.

Even if the Knecht-for-Hunter framework ultimately falls apart, both players are likely to remain active names in trade rumors until a deal is completed.

Final Thoughts: A Deal Worth Monitoring

While De’Andre Hunter may no longer be viewed as the elite 3-and-D wing he once was, his defensive reliability and prior shooting success make him a worthwhile gamble for a team in win-now mode. For the Lakers, acquiring Hunter could address key weaknesses without sacrificing core assets.

For Dalton Knecht, a trade could represent the fresh start he’s seeking—one that allows him to grow and redefine his NBA trajectory.

As the trade deadline draws closer, this situation is well worth monitoring. Whether or not this specific deal materializes, it’s increasingly clear that Dalton Knecht’s future lies outside of Los Angeles, and the Lakers are preparing for their next move.