ESPN has a trade pitch for the Los Angeles Lakers that would have Dalton Knecht on the move. The network’s NBA insiders on Monday proposed six trades, including one sending Knecht to the Dallas Mavericks.
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The latest ESPN offseason proposal has the Los Angeles Lakers once again exploring a major trade involving young guard Dalton Knecht as the franchise looks to strengthen its frontcourt around Luka Dončić and LeBron James.
According to ESPN’s Zach Kram, the proposed deal would send Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt, and the No. 25 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft to the Dallas Mavericks in exchange for center Daniel Gafford.
The logic behind the proposal centers on the Lakers’ ongoing need for a reliable athletic center. Gafford already proved he can thrive alongside Dončić during their time together in Dallas, where he became one of Luka’s favorite pick-and-roll partners and helped the Mavericks reach the NBA Finals. ESPN reportedly believes reuniting the two would immediately improve the Lakers’ interior defense, rebounding, and lob threat.
For Los Angeles, the trade would represent another sign that the organization is fully committed to maximizing its championship window around Dončić. The Lakers have struggled to find a dependable starting center since the failed Mark Williams trade, and Gafford is viewed as a more proven option who can contribute immediately.
Knecht’s inclusion in the proposal is notable but not surprising. The former Tennessee standout has seen his role shrink significantly after an encouraging rookie season. Reports throughout the year suggested the Lakers aggressively explored trading him at the deadline, and league sources believe he could benefit from a fresh start elsewhere.
Vanderbilt’s contract also plays a major role in the deal financially. Meanwhile, Dallas could view Knecht as a low-risk young scorer with upside while also gaining future draft capital. Some analysts believe the Mavericks may eventually consider moving Gafford because they already have Dereck Lively II and are building around a younger core led by Cooper Flagg.
Fan reaction to the proposal has been mixed. Many Lakers fans on Reddit called the deal a “no-brainer” because it fills the team’s biggest weakness without sacrificing Austin Reaves or LeBron James. However, Mavericks fans largely criticized the idea, arguing Dallas would not want to help Los Angeles again after the controversial Luka Dončić trade.
At the moment, the proposal remains speculative and there is no indication the two teams are actively negotiating. In fact, previous reports suggested the Mavericks were reluctant to engage in more trades with the Lakers after the Dončić blockbuster.
Vanderbilt’s contract also plays a major role in the deal financially. Meanwhile, Dallas could view Knecht as a low-risk young scorer with upside while also gaining future draft capital. Some analysts believe the Mavericks may eventually consider moving Gafford because they already have Dereck Lively II and are building around a younger core led by Cooper Flagg.
Fan reaction to the proposal has been mixed. Many Lakers fans on Reddit called the deal a “no-brainer” because it fills the team’s biggest weakness without sacrificing Austin Reaves or LeBron James. However, Mavericks fans largely criticized the idea, arguing Dallas would not want to help Los Angeles again after the controversial Luka Dončić trade.
At the moment, the proposal remains speculative and there is no indication the two teams are actively negotiating. In fact, previous reports suggested the Mavericks were reluctant to engage in more trades with the Lakers after the Dončić blockbuster.
Dalton Knecht has appeared in 132 games with Lakers
Knecht appeared in 54 games for the Lakers this season, averaging 4.2 points, 1.4 points and 0.4 assists, shooting 45.5% from the field and 34.2% from the 3-point line in 10.2 minutes per game.
He made 16 starts in 78 games as a rookie last season, averaging 9.1 points, 2.8 rebounds and 0.8 assists in 19.2 minutes per game, shooting 46.1% from the field and 37.6% from the 3-point line.
The Lakers tried to move Knecht in February 2025, sending him to the Charlotte Hornets, but the trade fell through after a failed physical.
Knecht was the 17th overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, selected by the Lakers after dropping as a projected lottery pick. Before the trade was rescinded, Knecht was on the way to Charlotte along with Cam Reddish and a 2031 unprotected first-round pick for Hornets center Mark Williams, who later failed a physical.
It was a crazy time,” Knecht told reporters at the time.. “It felt like a movie.”
“It was hard,” he added. “I got drafted here, so L.A. means a lot.”
- Dalton Knecht averaged 21.1 points per game at Tennessee no
Knecht at No. 17 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft was Tennessee’s highest pick since Tobias Harris went at No. 19 in 2011.
The 6-foot-6, 213-pound Knecht starred in his one and only season at Tennessee, after transferring to the Vols from Northern Colorado. He was a consensus First Team All-American and the SEC Player of the Year after averaging 21.1 points per game and 25.5 points in SEC play.
The Thornton, Col., native started his collegiate career with two seasons at Northeastern Junior College before transferring to Northern Colorado.
Knecht scored a career-high 40 points against Kentucky in his final game at Food City Center. He scored 30 or more points in eight games, 20 or more points in 19 games and 10 or more points in 32 of Tennessee’s 36 g
ames.
