Who wants Dalton Knecht even as package deal?

[babyjax13]

Ok well it seemed in your first post that you were disagreeing with me but actually you agree that Knecht is still valuable. Not as valuable as he was in November last year but still valuable and not impacted by non-NBA games like preseason and summer league.

I agree in that the Lakers shouldn't need to pay anyone to take him; he could return an SRP or another player of similar marginal value. I wouldn't necessarily call that "valuable", but I don't think he's devoid of value. How's that?

I think you're undervaluing but explains why you're not a fan of Knecht+FRP for Kessler deals.

Well that and we already have a much better version of what Knecht could potentially become in Sensabaugh, who is also younger. He just has no place on our roster as another bad defender who is a fairly one-dimensional player. But teams need that dimension a lot, so he will have an NBA career - of that I feel reasonably confident.

[SkyHook]

Ok well it seemed in your first post that you were disagreeing with me but actually you agree that Knecht is still valuable. Not as valuable as he was in November last year but still valuable and not impacted by non-NBA games like preseason and summer league.

I agree in that the Lakers shouldn't need to pay anyone to take him; he could return an SRP or another player of similar marginal value. I wouldn't necessarily call that "valuable", but I don't think he's devoid of value. How's that?

I think you're undervaluing but explains why you're not a fan of Knecht+FRP for Kessler deals.

Maybe so, but he's simply a member of the least valuable archetype in the league; the scoring guard who is a defensive sieve.

[SlimShady83]

I agree in that the Lakers shouldn't need to pay anyone to take him; he could return an SRP or another player of similar marginal value. I wouldn't necessarily call that "valuable", but I don't think he's devoid of value. How's that?

I think you're undervaluing but explains why you're not a fan of Knecht+FRP for Kessler deals.

Maybe so, but he's simply a member of the least valuable archetype in the league; the scoring guard who is a defensive sieve.

Zimpy, I just seen this, but yeh I wouldn't be a fan of Knecht + FRP for Kessler either, Reaves+ FRP is more realistic and I'm even chucking in a pick swap as well, I'm high on Kessler as you and others know, I'd do it in a heartbeat - and I think Ainge would too.

Lakers want Giannis/Jokic (top tier players) but gotta step it down a notch and Kessler "is him" I just love his style of play and I know the Giannis/Jokic talk not happening unless they come out and say they want want Lakers, won't happen IMO, but who knows in time. Kessler is perfect Center, only what 24/5 can be your center for next 10 years, another reason I'm high on Kessler.

Gainnis/Jokic would be nice and almost guarantee you a chip with Luka, but then what? While Luka/Kessler doesn't guarantee you a chip, you can easily build around that combo IMO

[zimpy27]

I agree in that the Lakers shouldn't need to pay anyone to take him; he could return an SRP or another player of similar marginal value. I wouldn't necessarily call that "valuable", but I don't think he's devoid of value. How's that?

I think you're undervaluing but explains why you're not a fan of Knecht+FRP for Kessler deals.

Maybe so, but he's simply a member of the least valuable archetype in the league; the scoring guard who is a defensive sieve.

If he ends up being a sieve then I agree. I think the value is there because of his athleticism and being better than expected a s a rookie on defense. Will see if it continues improving.

[zimpy27]

I think you're undervaluing but explains why you're not a fan of Knecht+FRP for Kessler deals.

Maybe so, but he's simply a member of the least valuable archetype in the league; the scoring guard who is a defensive sieve.

Zimpy, I just seen this, but yeh I wouldn't be a fan of Knecht + FRP for Kessler either, Reaves+ FRP is more realistic and I'm even chucking in a pick swap as well, I'm high on Kessler as you and others know, I'd do it in a heartbeat - and I think Ainge would too.

Lakers want Giannis/Jokic (top tier players) but gotta step it down a notch and Kessler "is him" I just love his style of play and I know the Giannis/Jokic talk not happening unless they come out and say the want want Lakers, won't happen IMO, but who knows in time. Kessler is perfect Center, only what 24/5 can be your center for next 10 years, another reason I'm high on Kessler.

Gainnis/Jokic would be nice and almost guarantee you a chip with Luka, but then what? While Luka/Kessler doesn't guarantee you a chip, you can easily build around that combo IMO

I'm not a big fan of Kessler, I don't think he's worth all that much now as expiring to RFA and clearly he wants to be paid more than he's worth. Jazz feel same way.

I think Kessler is worth an FRP though.

[SlimShady83]

I think Kessler is worth an FRP though.

That's cool totally understand, Jazz/Ainge have stated they want "Younger player and 2 FRPS" ... I don't think IMO any other team will offer 2 FRPs, while Reaves isn't exactly a young player he is a top notch guard and consistent , something I think Ainge likes also his white (hehe). We'll just see in due time what they do with Kessler, don't think they'll extend him - maybe sign n trade?, I really can't wait to see the end result.

[Michaellam1987]

It’s just unrealistic because of Nike.. But Gafford and Martin for Vincent, Maxi, Dalton and second(s) would seem to make sense for both sides.

Dallas using the second(s) with maybe 1-2 of their own to dump one of Maxi/Vincent to save a fortune. Maybe look to dump the other one if possible::

But Dalton comes in and has a small role for Dallas this season but could grow into an important piece..

LAL gets a decent bench two way wing and a strong rotation center..

This is terrible terrible offer for DAL.

[SkyHook]

I think you're undervaluing but explains why you're not a fan of Knecht+FRP for Kessler deals.

Maybe so, but he's simply a member of the least valuable archetype in the league; the scoring guard who is a defensive sieve.

If he ends up being a sieve then I agree. I think the value is there because of his athleticism and being better than expected a s a rookie on defense. Will see if it continues improving.

No rookie is a finished product and he's got good size so we'll see. Maybe Korver-ish, though I think Kyle would have been devalued as well in this era. It's worth noting that DARKO, EPM, LEBRON, and BPM all have him in about the bottom 10% of the league defensively, from the 7th worst to the 42nd worst player.

[Scoot McGroot]

Maybe so, but he's simply a member of the least valuable archetype in the league; the scoring guard who is a defensive sieve.

If he ends up being a sieve then I agree. I think the value is there because of his athleticism and being better than expected a s a rookie on defense. Will see if it continues improving.

No rookie is a finished product and he's got good size so we'll see. Maybe Korver-ish, though I think Kyle would have been devalued as well in this era. It's worth noting that DARKO, EPM, LEBRON, and BPM all have him in about the bottom 10% of the league defensively, from the 7th worst to the 42nd worst player.

Korver only ever made 10% of the salary cap in salary once in his career (almost twice).

But yeah. Statistically, Knecht is an absolute sieve defensively in the NBA so far. By the eye test, he doesn't seem THAT terrible, but he definitely doesn't seem anywhere near good defensively, either.

Add in that he's already 24, and will be 27 when he starts his 2nd contract, and there's just a lot less "love" for guys like that? There's not an infinite supply of time to really just sit him and let him work on defense. And it's hard not to argue that a lot of teams might feel like they can replace him with an equal or better player on the vet minimum at half the salary the next couple years, and there's definitely a tough road to try and negotiate a solid 1st round pick. If "bad" salary comes back, I think Knecht could net a late, late 1st. In general, I think he's worth 1 or 2 2nds on the open market? There's just been a solid shift of value, reportedly, on these rookie contract guys that aren't quite producing, but still getting paid solid salaries (Sheppard in Houston, Hawkins in New Orleans, etc).

[SkyHook]

The writing is clunky in places, but overall this is a solid article.

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6697526/2025/10/08/dalton-knecht-lakers-needs-preseason/

[SlimShady83]

Sorry for the bump I rarely do this, But someone gave me an idea else where

NIck Richards for Dalton Knecht ... Straight Swap. No picks nothing included .... Honestly just don't think there's enough playing time for Knecht on the Lakers but he can get it else where.

[gswhoops]

I agree in that the Lakers shouldn't need to pay anyone to take him; he could return an SRP or another player of similar marginal value. I wouldn't necessarily call that "valuable", but I don't think he's devoid of value. How's that?

I think you're undervaluing but explains why you're not a fan of Knecht+FRP for Kessler deals.

Maybe so, but he's simply a member of the least valuable archetype in the league; the scoring guard who is a defensive sieve.

Ehh, he's got good enough size for a wing and he's effective without the ball in his hands, two things that should be enough for a long NBA career as long as he can maintain at least an upper 30s 3pt percentage.

To me the least valuable archetype in the league is "undersized shooting guard who needs the ball in his hands to be effective but isn't efficient enough to justify being a featured guy and doesn't do anything else well" - Jalen Green, Simons, Sexton, Cole Anthony, etc.

[SkyHook]

I think you're undervaluing but explains why you're not a fan of Knecht+FRP for Kessler deals.

Maybe so, but he's simply a member of the least valuable archetype in the league; the scoring guard who is a defensive sieve.

Ehh, he's got good enough size for a wing and he's effective without the ball in his hands, two things that should be enough for a long NBA career as long as he can maintain at least an upper 30s 3pt percentage.

To me the least valuable archetype in the league is "undersized shooting guard who needs the ball in his hands to be effective but isn't efficient enough to justify being a featured guy and doesn't do anything else well" - Jalen Green, Simons, Sexton, Cole Anthony, etc.

I can appreciate your expanded definition. My gut tells me that on- or off-ball scorers who can't defend (regardless of their size) are still in the bottom tier, but you've at least given me food for thought.

[Fo-Real]

Sorry for the bump I rarely do this, But someone gave me an idea else where

NIck Richards for Dalton Knecht ... Straight Swap. No picks nothing included .... Honestly just don't think there's enough playing time for Knecht on the Lakers but he can get it else where.

Suns need Richards more than they need ANOTHER 6"6ish 215 lb dude, we have a few of those.

[gswhoops]

Maybe so, but he's simply a member of the least valuable archetype in the league; the scoring guard who is a defensive sieve.

Ehh, he's got good enough size for a wing and he's effective without the ball in his hands, two things that should be enough for a long NBA career as long as he can maintain at least an upper 30s 3pt percentage.

To me the least valuable archetype in the league is "undersized shooting guard who needs the ball in his hands to be effective but isn't efficient enough to justify being a featured guy and doesn't do anything else well" - Jalen Green, Simons, Sexton, Cole Anthony, etc.

I can appreciate your expanded definition. My gut tells me that on- or off-ball scorers who can't defend (regardless of their size) are still in the bottom tier, but you've at least given me food for thought.

Certainly could be my Warriors-centric lens, but I tend to think guys who can move off the ball well and hit shots stick in the league, even if it's just as deep bench guys. But I also probably should have been clearer - I think Dalton needs to shift his mindset to being more of a 3pt specialist than a generic "scorer" to have that kind of career arc

[SkyHook]

Ehh, he's got good enough size for a wing and he's effective without the ball in his hands, two things that should be enough for a long NBA career as long as he can maintain at least an upper 30s 3pt percentage.

To me the least valuable archetype in the league is "undersized shooting guard who needs the ball in his hands to be effective but isn't efficient enough to justify being a featured guy and doesn't do anything else well" - Jalen Green, Simons, Sexton, Cole Anthony, etc.

I can appreciate your expanded definition. My gut tells me that on- or off-ball scorers who can't defend (regardless of their size) are still in the bottom tier, but you've at least given me food for thought.

Certainly could be my Warriors-centric lens, but I tend to think guys who can move off the ball well and hit shots stick in the league, even if it's just as deep bench guys. But I also probably should have been clearer - I think Dalton needs to shift his mindset to being more of a 3pt specialist than a generic "scorer" to have that kind of career arc

It may be classical stereotyping, but Knecht's ideal career might approach Kyle Korver's and, as much as I loved the guy, I think he would be far less valued with the current league calculus than when he played. Neither is in Klay's tier, who was a top notch defender at his position.

[gswhoops]

I can appreciate your expanded definition. My gut tells me that on- or off-ball scorers who can't defend (regardless of their size) are still in the bottom tier, but you've at least given me food for thought.

Certainly could be my Warriors-centric lens, but I tend to think guys who can move off the ball well and hit shots stick in the league, even if it's just as deep bench guys. But I also probably should have been clearer - I think Dalton needs to shift his mindset to being more of a 3pt specialist than a generic "scorer" to have that kind of career arc

It may be classical stereotyping, but Knecht's ideal career might approach Kyle Korver's and, as much as I loved the guy, I think he would be far less valued with the current league calculus than when he played. Neither is in Klay's tier, who was a top notch defender at his position.

I think Korver would at least be a Duncan Robinson-level player, and while he's never been an all-star he's been a key piece on some very good teams. But yeah none of them are approaching prime Klay who was an elite movement shooter AND an elite defender.

[SkyHook]

Jovan Buha:

The Lakers are in a tough spot right now with the Dalton Knecht situation. There has been little to be encouraged by based on his preseason. I was talking to a scout last night at the Lakers - Mavericks preseason game, a scout for another team, and he was just talking about Dalton's struggles and how especially from a decision-processing standpoint, there's not been a lot of progress there, and that continues to be the area of his game where he's just not seeing the right thing to do on either side of the ball. Of course, he's more evolved on the offensive side, but this person was expressing a lot of skepticism. And that's just one person's opinion, but I've said this before: Anytime I have an outside conversation about Dalton with someone outside of the Lakers, it tends to be relatively negative or pessimistic.

The scouting report is out, teams will relentlessly target him and pick-and-roll actions because of that. They've also scouted his drives and forcing him left. because of that. I just think like he's really got to have an elite skill out there to warrant playing him more and he just doesn't have that right now. So, to be honest, I am skeptical that he's going to rehab his value.

Watch on YouTube

[SlimShady83]

Mid season trade Maxi/Gabe/Knecht +SRP, FOR Monk/Ellis?

[gswhoops]

Mid season trade Maxi/Gabe/Knecht +SRP, FOR Monk/Ellis?

I think you’d have to give something with actual value to get Ellis