The ongoing Dalton Knecht Lakers trade rumors have intensified as the Los Angeles Lakers reportedly consider a major move for Miami Heat’s Andrew Wiggins, but remain cautious about the steep asking price. The Lakers, led by Rob Pelinka and pressured by LeBron James to improve the roster, continue to weigh their options following the signing of Deandre Ayton in free agency.
Lakers Face High Demands in Pursuit of Andrew Wiggins
After adding Deandre Ayton, another former number one pick, the Lakers find themselves at a crossroads as they look to further upgrade the team. The addition of Ayton provided a solid post presence, yet the front office, with Pelinka at the helm, acknowledges that additional moves are still necessary—especially under the scrutiny of LeBron James, who has publicly urged for stronger reinforcements.
Although the team was linked to Andrew Wiggins, Jovan Buha, a well-known insider, suggested that any trade with the Heat could be out of reach for now. Miami’s initial offer price for Wiggins has been characterized as especially expensive, making negotiations challenging.
“I’ve heard the asking price for Miami was pretty high,” Buha said in a QŲA session (per Basket News). “We’re talking basically everything or close to everything that the Lakers could offer from a top asset standpoint. So, I don’t think that’s gonna happen.”
Buha’s report indicates that the Heat are requesting a package that includes Rui Hachimura, Dalton Knecht, and a future first-round draft pick for Wiggins. The proposed deal would significantly deplete the Lakers’ assets, raising doubts among decision-makers regarding the fairness of such terms.
“I don’t think the Lakers are trading Rui, a first-rounder, and Dalton [Knecht] for Andrew Wiggins. It’s not fair value,” Buha continued. “It’s not a realistic trade. I think Miami’s playing hardball, and we’ll see if they soften their stance.”
If such a trade were to occur, Los Angeles could field a trio of former top draft picks—Andrew Wiggins, LeBron James, and Deandre Ayton—on the court, each bringing different strengths to the lineup. Still, with Luka Doncic making his impact elsewhere in the league, the Lakers are cautious about parting ways with surrounding pieces and a valuable future pick.
Lakers Seek Defensive Upgrades in the Paint
While the Lakers have addressed their need for size by signing Ayton, concerns remain about their interior defense. Ayton is recognized for his reliable face-up play and rebounding ability; however, he lacks the rim protection and shot-blocking skills that elite playoff contenders require from their centers.
Historically, both LeBron James and Luka Doncic have excelled alongside dependable rim-running and defensively oriented big men. For the Lakers, Ayton’s presence improves offensive spacing but does not satisfy the team’s need for a center who can serve as a defensive anchor—especially in high-stakes situations against physical opponents.
The front office now faces the challenge of identifying a true defensive specialist—a player capable of holding up against the league’s top frontcourt threats without becoming a liability in the pivotal moments of the playoffs.
The Dalton Knecht Lakers trade rumors remain at the center of ongoing discussions, as Los Angeles weighs the trade-off between maintaining promising young players and pursuing established talent. The outcome will not only affect the immediate future of the team but also shape the composition of one of the NBA’s most ambitious rosters as they chase championship relevance.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How much money did Dalton Knecht make?
A. Dalton Knecht agreed to a four-year contract with the Los Angeles Lakers worth $18,483,220. Out of this amount, $7,829,280 is guaranteed.
On average, he will earn $4,620,805 each year during this contract.