The Los Angeles Lakers recently strengthened their lineup by signing Marcus Smart, addressing key defensive and leadership needs. However, despite this addition, the team’s efforts to trade second-year wing Dalton Knecht have hit a roadblock due to his diminished market value, according to multiple insiders.
Dalton Knecht’s Trade Value Declines Amid Market Challenges
The Lakers hoped to improve their perimeter defense by moving Dalton Knecht, but new reports indicate that finding a trade partner willing to offer significant assets is unlikely. Jovan Buha of The Athletic highlighted Knecht’s disappointing market status on his podcast, explaining that Knecht’s value has dropped below that of a first-round pick in current trade discussions.
Summer League has not helped Knecht’s stock, and I don’t think at this point he is valued as a first-round pick, in terms of an asset valuation,
Buha noted.
That was what I heard in Vegas from talking to multiple people, non-Lakers people, just gauging what would you give for Dalton Knecht? Or if the Lakers are putting Dalton Knecht in a trade, what is he worth? And the feedback I got was, no longer worth a first-round valuation.
Knecht’s Summer League Performance Undermines Expectations
Dalton Knecht’s recent showing in the 2025-26 Las Vegas Summer League was far below expectations. Across three games, he managed averages of 10.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists but struggled with his shooting efficiency, posting just 27.9% from the field and 23.8% from beyond the arc. This stark decline was surprising, given Knecht’s reputation for accurate three-point shooting.
By comparison, Knecht had excelled during the 2024-25 Summer League, where he averaged 21.3 points while shooting 40% from three-point range. That strong performance translated into his rookie NBA season, with averages of 9.1 points and 2.8 rebounds per game, accompanied by 37.6% shooting from deep. He was among the top shooters of his rookie class and contended for All-Rookie honors.
Lakers Reevaluate Knecht’s Role Moving Forward
Despite earlier optimism about Knecht’s potential to become a key contributor off the bench, sources indicate the Lakers no longer see him as a cornerstone for their future plans. Anthony Irwin of ClutchPoints reported that Knecht has been active in trade discussions, particularly after being involved in last season’s rescinded Mark Williams deal.
Dalton Knecht’s name has come up in plenty of trade discussions this summer after he was sent out in that infamously rescinded Mark Williams deal last season,
Irwin said on July 3.
Rui Hachimura is a popular target of other teams who call the Lakers, as well. Austin Reaves, even after turning down a max extension to remain with the Lakers, is not considered likely to be moved.
One reported trade proposal involved the Miami Heat offering veteran wing Andrew Wiggins in exchange for Knecht plus a first-round pick, but the Lakers declined the offer. This suggests that while the Lakers are willing to negotiate, they remain cautious about parting with established talent without favorable returns.
Impact of Marcus Smart Signing on Lakers’ Team Dynamics
While trade scenarios involving Knecht remain uncertain, the addition of Marcus Smart offers immediate benefits for the Lakers. Known for his toughness, leadership, and defensive prowess, Smart addresses criticisms that surfaced during the Lakers’ recent playoff series, especially concerns about the team’s softness against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Smart’s playoff experience and tenacity are expected to enhance the Lakers’ perimeter defense and on-court grit. This signing signifies the franchise’s commitment to becoming more resilient and competitive as they prepare to make another playoff push.
Ultimately, the Lakers face a balancing act as they integrate Marcus Smart into their roster while seeking opportunities to optimize their supporting cast. The next steps regarding Dalton Knecht’s trade potential remain uncertain, but the roster upgrade provided by Smart marks a crucial development in the team’s pursuit of championship contention.