Lakers Trade Dalton Knecht, Draft Picks for Hornets' Mark Williams

In another shocking deadline move, per ESPN's Shams Charania, the Los Angeles Lakers have traded rookie Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 unprotected first round pick and a 2030 pick swap to the Charlotte Hornets to nab center Mark Williams.

Just In: The Los Angeles Lakers are trading Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2031 unprotected first-round pick and a 2030 pick swap to the Charlotte Hornets for center Mark Williams, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/QGUwETssGd
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 6, 2025

Williams is amidst a breakout season so far this season, averaging 16.0 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 blocks per game.

While there’s little doubt Williams is impactful when he’s on-court, he’s had trouble staying healthy in his short career. He played 43 games in his rookie season, 19 in Year 2, and just 22 so far this season.

Charlotte now lands a talented prospect in Knecht, who’s seen a solid first season, as well as flier in Reddish and two highly-valuable draft selections. So far for Los Angeles this season, Knecht has scored 9.4 points on 47% shooting, hitting a solid amount of triples while adding plenty in other areas. It was reported they coveted him in the 2024 NBA Draft, but opted to draft Tidjane Salaun No. 6 overall instead.

The draft selections were likely slated to be more valuable prior to the team's trading for Luka Doncic over the weekend, who is now likely to be the face of the franchise for the foreseeable future.

Per a follow-up tweet from Charania: "Lakers are trading for a rising 7-foot-2 center, giving the franchise a starting center in Williams who fits the profile of athleticism and verticality that has flourished with Luka Doncic. Hornets land a rookie in Knecht they are excited about, and draft capital."

Williams offers the lob threat needed to help Doncic thrive even more, as he did alongside Dereck Lively and Daniel Gafford in Dallas.

Knecht now joins a talented young core led by LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Per an earlier scouting report from NBA Draft on SI regarding the former Volunteer: "When Knecht does need to create for himself, he’s a natural playmaker and bucket getter. He boasts good athleticism and can rise up and dunk with power. He moves really well and can attack the cup with force. The Tennessee prospect is efficient with his dribbles and makes the most of every move when he has the ball in his hands. His IQ is apparent as well, especially with his ability to operate as the handler in pick-and-role situations."

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