Lakers may cut ties with Dalton Knecht in favor of 6-foot-7 former Warriors star, per report

A blockbuster trade could be in the cards for the Los Angeles Lakers, according to a recent report. 

Forbes’ Evan Sidery recently suggested that the franchise may cut ties with Dalton Knecht in favor of a 6-foot-7 former Golden State Warriors star ahead of training camp. 

“The (Miami) Heat and Lakers have reopened discussions on a potential Andrew Wiggins trade ahead of training camp,” Sidery wrote on X/Twitter Saturday.

“Los Angeles is very open to moving former first-round pick Dalton Knecht alongside necessary expiring salary. Miami wants a future first-round pick attached in the package.”

Trading Knecht before the 2025-26 season should be a no-brainer for Los Angeles. 

The former first-round pick should be a member of the Charlotte Hornets in 2025. However, Mark Williams’ disappointing physical results derailed the Lakers’ plans of replacing Anthony Davis during the midway point of the season.

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Knecht was an anemic performer with the Lake Show in the NBA 2K26 Summer League in Las Vegas, exhibiting tunnel vision as a straight-line driver (negatively affecting his efficiency), and failing to make strides as an on-ball defender. 

The Tennessee product averaged 10.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per contest, shooting 27.9% from the field and 23.8% from three-point land.

Landing Wiggins, who nearly averaged 20 points per game last season, in exchange for Knecht would be a colossal win for an experienced wing-craving Lakers team. 

Wiggins was a member of the Warriors' 2022 championship squad and received an All-Star nod in the same season, demonstrating his ability to be a valuable contributor when appropriately utilized.

If the Lakers’ goal is to secure a title towards the end of Luka Doncic and LeBron James’ partnership in Los Angeles (many believe James won’t compete with the organization beyond the 2025-26 season), they shouldn’t drag their feet on a potential game-changing Knecht and Wiggins swap.

More NBA: Warriors cut ties with 24-year-old G League champion