Lakers predicted to trade Dalton Knecht for starting center from Duke in three-team deal | Sporting News

The potential trade involving the Lakers, Trail Blazers, and Nets could position the Lakers favorably, allowing them to acquire a high-profile rookie center, Khaman Maluach, which may enhance their competitive edge. This scenario suggests that punters might consider betting on the Lakers improving their prospects for the upcoming season if they secure this trade.

Dalton Knecht was a Charlotte Hornet until a sudden twist of fate brought him back to the west coast. The Lakers attempted to trade the rookie sharpshooter for big man Mark Williams at the trade deadline, but after a failed physical, Knecht returned to Los Angeles for the rest of the season.

Entering the offseason, the same problems remain for the Lakers, and Knecht could be on the move again. ESPN's Front Office Insider Bobby Marks proposed a three-team trade involving the Trail Blazers and the Nets that could send Knecht away for a high-profile rookie center.

Lakers trade Dalton Knecht for No. 8 overall pick. Bobby Marks proposed a deal that would officially ship Knecht off, and it's eerily similar to the first deal he was involved in.

Lakers receive:

• No. 8 overall pick (via Brooklyn)

• No. 36 overall pick (via Brooklyn)

Trail Blazers receive:

• Dalton Knecht

• 2027 top-4 protected first round pick (via New York)

Nets receive:

• No. 11 overall pick (via Portland)

• 2031 unprotected first round pick (via Los Angeles)

With Knecht as the only player involved in the deal, this trade hinges on who is available when the Lakers are picking at No. 8. Marks started the trade proposal by saying the trade is "contingent" on Duke's Khaman Malauch being on the board for Los Angeles. The former Blue Devil stands at 7-foot-2 and 250 pounds. He averaged 8.6 points and 6.6 rebounds last season when Duke made it to the Final Four.

It's the same trade the Lakers made for Mark Williams before last season's trade deadline, but without a 2031 pick swap. If they could acquire Malauch, Los Angeles would have a lob option for Luka Doncic and a solid rebounder on a rookie contract.

Projected top-10 pick Khaman Maluach looks fantastic working out in the pre-draft process. Moving and getting off the floor extremely well, and made significant gains with his skill-level, footwork, and touch over the past year at Duke.

Brooklyn can benefit from the Lakers' desperation too. The Nets would move down three spots and acquire an unprotected pick years from now that could be a lottery pick. Portland would defer its first round pick a couple of years and pick up a shooter in the process. Marks compared it to the Blazers' trading for Deni Avdija last year.

Nothing is a guarantee when the draft begins on June 25th, but this could be the best outcome for the Lakers if they move up and draft Malauch. Otherwise, they could be scanning for crumbs on the floor of free agency.

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