The NBA is just as much about mental toughness as it is about physical skill. We see the highlights and stats but rarely get a glimpse of the personal challenges athletes deal with. Redick recently spoke about this, emphasizing how much pressure players like Dalton Knecht and Cam Reddish face beyond the game itself.

When it comes to Knecht, the young man has had a strong rookie season. But he also had to adjust quickly. And almost when he thought he got it, the rook faced one of the most stressful experiences—being traded. However, Dalton was not the only player affected. Cam Reddish went through his own set of problems as well.

And it was a detail Coach Redick addressed during the team’s practice media availability. “I think there’s an empathy component of just understanding what those guys are going through,” he first pointed out before moving on to Cam as an example. If you’ve been following the 25-year-old, you will know that he and his partner recently welcomed a baby girl. It was in the midst of this new role and responsibility that the young guard was also packed off in the almost-successful Mark Williams trade.

“It’s a big moment in his life. He needs to have the time to do that and be with his family. On top of that, he gets traded and then rescinded. And so it’s all been a lot for him. … Dalton as well,” JJ said. We don’t have to tell you that the NBA is relentless. It’s not just about how well you play—it’s about handling travel, pressure, and the grind of proving yourself every night.

Suffice it to say, DK just got a taste of that bitter side of the league.

Despite all this, Redick had nothing but praise for both players. He credited them for staying strong through difficult moments. Knecht showed that resilience by returning to practice right after the All-Star break.

He came in focused, proving once again that he’s ready for whatever comes next. But let’s first truly understand the psychological impact of these trades on our favorite hoopers.

Traded & Tested: The Mental Toll of NBA Moves

On top of everything else, Knecht and Reddish had to navigate the chaos of the trade deadline. The Lakers planned to send both players out in a deal. But when Mark Williams failed his physical, the trade fell apart.

For a rookie like Dalton Knecht, the experience was overwhelming. “It’s been crazy, exhausting, all of it,” he admitted. “One second, you think you’re moving, the next, you’re back with the team. You just have to stay locked in.“

Getting traded is tough. But thinking you’re gone, then staying? That’s a whole different kind of mental battle. When a trade happens, at least you know what’s next. A new city, a new system, a fresh start. But when it doesn’t? You’re stuck in limbo, trying to figure out where you stand. Even veterans struggle with that kind of uncertainty. For a rookie, it can be even tougher.

A survey by the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) backs this up. Around 75% of players report feeling heightened anxiety during trade rumors. And it’s not just about switching teams. Uprooting your family and adjusting to a new environment can be overwhelming. Nearly 70% of players also experience a dip in confidence when caught in trade talks. (via 2023 blog at cbaworldacademy.com)

That pressure affects performance—shots don’t fall, decision-making suffers, and players just don’t feel like themselves.

For Dalton Knecht and Reddish, the challenge now is turning these struggles into growth. The NBA doesn’t slow down, but both have shown the mental strength to handle it. Knecht, in particular, looks locked in. After making a strong impression in the All-Star games and jumping right back into practice, he’s proving one thing—he’s not a player looking to just get by. He’s here to stay. And he’s not doing that quietly!