The Los Angeles Lakers have undeniably gotten better this summer with several shrewd moves, adding Marcus Smart, Deandre Ayton, and Jake LaRavia. But one of their top trade assets appears to have taken a bit of a hit.
Dalton Knecht was selected 16th overall in last year's draft. And after a solid start to his rookie year, he was initially traded to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for Mark Williams.
However, the trade was rescinded, and he failed to make an impact post-trade deadline. He also had a poor showing in the NBA Summer League. As a result, his trade value has dropped like a stone.
Lakers insider Jovan Buda recently confirmed that Knecht's stock has dropped because opposing teams no longer view him as a first-round-level talent.
“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," Buda said about Knecht.
That limits some of the Lakers' options, with them previously trying to use him as the equivalent of a first-round pick.
Dalton Knecht's sinking trade value hurts the Lakers
That complicates a potential move to trade for players such as Andrew Wiggins, who they have been linked to. They may possibly have to include a first-round pick instead of using Knecht to get a deal done.
More likely, they will hold off making a big move until around the trade deadline. That will give them time to assess their roster to see if there are any holes that they need to fill.
Smart should hopefully provide them with a perimeter defender who can get stops when it matters most, but he's struggled to stay healthy. Meanwhile, Ayton has been criticized for his work ethic and motor, but a motivated Ayton could be a huge upgrade at center.
If one or neither works out, the Lakers will have to scour the trade market, but barring improvements from Knecht, he probably can no longer be seen as an asset.
The Lakers have other young players to fall back on
It's not the end-all be-all, with Bronny James and Adou Thiero looking like they can play NBA minutes next season. That gives the Lakers a good 10-man rotation with two young depth pieces.
Better still, both project to be good NBA defenders, with James having the athleticism and length needed to defend guards. Meanwhile, Thiero could defend wings and even some power forwards.
Knecht reemerging as a rotation player would be even better but not crucial for the Lakers season. As is, a healthy Lakers team could be a top-four team in the West, even better if players such as Smart, LaRavia, and Ayton thrive in their roles. That could potentially make Knechts' trade value a moot point.