Dalton Knecht’s trade value with the Los Angeles Lakers has sharply declined, casting doubt on his future with the team as the 2024-25 season progresses. This downward trend, evident during the recent Summer League in Phoenix, is stirring concern both within the Lakers organization and among outside <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA observers, raising questions about where Knecht fits in the Lakers’ plan moving forward.
The former promising lottery pick, who was once touted by Lakers executives as a potential bargain acquisition, now faces skepticism from the league’s insiders, including voices inside the Lakers. His ongoing struggles have repositioned him from a valued trade asset to a player whose status remains tenuous as the Lakers navigate roster decisions.
Insiders Question Knecht’s Worth and Role on the Lakers
NBA reporter Jovan Buha revealed insider doubts about Knecht’s value, quoting agents and executives in Vegas:
“I was talking to people in Vegas who were like, ‘I don’t think he’s worth a first-round pick anymore.’”
—Jovan Buha, NBA Analyst
This sharp reversal in perception signals a dramatic drop from Knecht’s once solid reputation. Instead of being a coveted young player, reports suggest teams may consider him more as expendable filler in larger deals, with one insider noting,
“maybe we’ll throw him in with the expiring contracts and a coupon book”
—Jovan Buha, NBA Analyst
Buha emphasizes that these opinions are not merely Lakers-centric but come from objective, third-party observers. The consensus is that Knecht is struggling to solidify his place behind established guards Gabe Vincent and Jordan Goodwin on the Lakers’ rotation.
Knecht’s diminished standing became more evident after the Lakers’ failed attempt to trade him in exchange for Mark Williams, a deal that collapsed, damaging his trade prospects.
Lakers’ Expectations for Knecht Differ from Early Hype
Despite the challenges, there is some context to Knecht’s difficulties. Conversations with Lakers coaching staff reveal that the team’s expectations for Knecht’s role have not aligned with what many anticipated. Buha shared,
“I was talking to someone on the coaching staff in Vegas… they did note this is not the role the Lakers envision for him… being a primary ball handler and initiator.”
—Jovan Buha, NBA Analyst
The Lakers drafted Knecht not to become a lead playmaker like Devin Booker but as a spot-up shooter who could stretch the floor by hitting threes and making use of transition scoring opportunities. This points to a mismatch between the hype surrounding him and his actual usage in the team’s system.
Inconsistent Shooting and Flashes of Potential
Knecht has demonstrated moments of promise, particularly in transition and catch-and-shoot situations. Buha noted,
“The best stretches of him offensively have been in transition… or some of the catch-and-shoot… especially in the corners.”
—Jovan Buha, NBA Analyst
However, these glimpses are inconsistent. Buha added,
“I almost have viewed him more as a scorer than a shooter… he can go through stretches where he’s a 1% shooter, but I don’t think he’s consistently a 1% shooter.”
—Jovan Buha, NBA Analyst
Such inconsistency has deeply affected Knecht’s standing, as poor shooting performances have drawn considerable criticism. For instance, his 3-of-15 shooting in a Summer League game against the Clippers was notably disastrous, with even comparisons to G-League level shooting percentages circulating on NBA Twitter.
Trade Talks Reveal Market’s Lukewarm Interest
Knecht’s falling value has been reflected in trade discussions, where the interest from other teams has been lukewarm at best. A proposed trade involving the Miami Heat—where Knecht would be part of a package including a first-round pick and Rui Hachimura for Andrew Wiggins—was widely regarded as unrealistic. Buha cynically remarked,
“If he’s trying to lower his trade value, I guess he’s doing it.”
—Jovan Buha, NBA Analyst
Additionally, respected NBA journalist Dan Woike weighed in with insight on The Lowe Post:
“Their young players don’t have a lot of value around the league… What’s going on with Dalton Knecht?”
—Dan Woike, NBA Reporter
This sentiment underscores the broader league view that Knecht and other Lakers young assets currently hold limited trade leverage, making it increasingly difficult for the Lakers to maneuver effectively.
Confidence and Playing Time Have Suffered Since Trade Collapse
Once a rookie showing promise by averaging nine points on 47% shooting, Knecht’s confidence appears to have eroded significantly after the failed trade for Mark Williams. His recent performances and limited role during Summer League have intensified doubts about his development trajectory.
With the Lakers holding a disappointing 1-2 record in Summer League and facing competitive matchups like the upcoming Celtics showdown, Knecht’s margin for error is shrinking rapidly. Unless he can regain form quickly, his Lakers tenure may soon be nearing an end.
The Outlook for Dalton Knecht and the Lakers’ Next Steps
Dalton Knecht now finds himself at a crossroads where his future in Los Angeles is uncertain, and his trade value is dropping faster than the Lakers’ shooting percentages during Summer League. His role within the team is unclear, and skepticism from league insiders indicates the Lakers may need to reconsider how Knecht fits into their long-term plans.
The urgency for a resolution is growing, as continued struggles could push his value toward the brink of irrelevance. The Lakers face crucial decisions in the near future—either to find a fresh start for Knecht through a trade or to attempt to salvage his development before his potential fades irreparably.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Dalton Knecht good?
A. Knecht’s self-assuredness and wide shooting range make him a very effective scorer. Although not particularly fast or athletic, he’s still a threat. Defenders must be cautious at all times because he can take a shot unexpectedly.
Q. How much money did Dalton Knecht make?
A. Dalton Knecht agreed to a four-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers worth $18,483,220. This includes $7,829,280 that is assured, with an average yearly income of $4,620,805.
Q. Why did Dalton Knecht fall so low?
A. Windhorst was asked why Knecht dropped significantly in the draft. He explained it’s because Knecht is 23 years old, and teams usually choose players who have more potential, often going for younger prospects (credit The Cold Wire). Some argue that this mindset among NBA executives is not always logical.
Q. How much money will Dalton Knecht make?
A. Dalton Knecht, a new player from 2024 to 2027, made a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers for four years, worth $18,483,220. Out of this amount, $7,829,280 is guaranteed. He is set to earn an average of $4,620,805 each year. For the 2025-26 season, he will receive a base pay of $4,010,160. This amount will also be his cap hit and dead cap value for that year.