When the Los Angeles Lakers selected Dalton Knecht of the Tennessee Volunteers with the 17th overall choice in the 2024 NBA Draft, it created quite a stir. Due to his age, Knecht was sidelined by several teams despite winning the Julius Erving Award and being named to the First Team All-American in 2024.

At 23, he is older than most of his draft peers. When Skip Bayless called him the “New JJ Redick,” ‘Undisputed’ co-hosts, Paul Pierce and Keyshawn Johnson agreed. But the former Celtics star seems to think that the Lakers might have different plans for the player. “I look at this as a potential trade piece. He’s a guy who has some value and could help some teams…I’m not sure he could help the Lakers,” Pierce commented. Dalton might end up being a potential trade asset rather than a roster addition.

Pierce also speculated that Knecht could be used in a trade to bring in a third superstar, following LeBron James and Anthony Davis’ lead. And if recent reports have any weight, their prime target might be Atlanta Hawks’ Dejounte Murray. 

During the trade deadline of the previous season, the Lakers attempted to acquire Dejounte Murray from the Atlanta Hawks. Due to the Hawks’ insistence on having Austin Reaves, which the Lakers refused to budge on, the deal fell through. Now, Murray’s name has come up again as a possible target this offseason.

Murray is still a possible trade candidate for the Lakers, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic. The team’s position on not involving Reaves in any possible deal hasn’t altered, either. Dalton Knecht’s future remains unclear for now. But this is what we know so far.

Lakers’ plans for Dalton Knecht, the ‘New JJ Redick’

On ‘Undisputed,’ Bayless compared the 6’6 player to the new Lakers head coach; JJ Redick. Bayless, who had found himself captivated by Dalton’s play, tweeted, “It felt like JJ Redick’s team drafted JJ Redick,” praising Knecht’s impressive athleticism. The analyst felt that he would fit right into the Lakers and make the perfect “catch and shoot guy,” something LeBron needs.

LeBron himself has gone on record to appreciate Knecht. Back in March, after Tennesse’s game against Purdue, James said, “We watched that Purdue-Tennessee game because of Zach Edey and [Dalton] Knecht. Players depending on who they are will drive attention when it comes to viewership.” If Knecht finds himself on the Lakers roster, he could blossom under the guidance of LeBron and AD.

And to add to it, Lakers GM Rob Pelinka was quite happy with the team’s acquisition. He said, “We would have never imagined a player as skilled and perfect for our needs would be there [at 17].” With his experience and skill set, Knecht is an already polished player, a trait that not all his peers have. Will the Lakers use him to diversify their roster or give him up for their Murray dreams?

This latest development certainly has fans in a chokehold. Regardless, the coming weeks will seal Dalton Knecht’s future in LA. Will he join Bron and AD on their quest to the championship or will he become a sacrificial pawn?

Before you go, do not forget to check out what Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato has to say about the alleged Shaq and Kobe Lakers beef. Keep checking this space for more such updates.