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Adam Silver Reveals Hornets Haven't Filed Protest About Lakers Rescinding Mark Williams Trade

Courtney Tate|
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The 2025 NBA All-Star Game is set to take place this Sunday, February 16, in a season filled with anticipation and excitement.

However, a recent controversy has captured the attention of fans and media alike: the shocking rescindment of a trade between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver addressed the issue during NBA All-Star Media Day, revealing that the Hornets had not filed a formal protest regarding the canceled deal.

The trade would have sent promising rookie Dalton Knecht to Charlotte in exchange for center Mark Williams.

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However, when Williams failed a physical, the trade was unexpectedly nullified. This marks an unusual scenario for the league, as Silver pointed out that it is rare for a trade to be rescinded for a failed physical examination.

The question surrounding the trade revolves around the NBA’s handling of player physicals.

Silver acknowledged that the league might need to reevaluate the standards for passing physicals in trades, given the advances in sports science.

“I think that the larger issue reflected in your question, in this day and age of sports science, is there a different standard of sort we should be applying in terms of players passing physicals in trades? And it’s something we should look at as a league,” Silver said. “I will say this issue does not come up that often. I can’t even remember, and certainly I don’t think in my tenure a trade has ever — there’s never been a challenge because a player has failed a physical, but almost by definition, you get into a certain level of subjectivity in where that standard is.

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Charlotte is in a period of transition, and the addition of a player like Knecht would have provided valuable depth to their young roster, which includes LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, and Miles Bridges.

Knecht, who has been solid in his rookie season with the Lakers, is averaging 9.4 points and 3.0 rebounds per game. His development as a promising player could have been key to Charlotte's future, as they continue to build around their cornerstone pieces.

On the other hand, the Lakers, with their star-studded lineup, would have benefited from a player like Mark Williams, who could have added depth at center.

With LeBron James, Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and Rui Hachimura leading the charge, keeping Knecht on the roster means the Lakers continue to nurture a well-rounded team. The combination of young talent and experienced superstars offers a strong foundation, potentially setting up Los Angeles for a deep playoff run.

Ultimately, while the Hornets may explore protesting the trade, the Lakers’ decision to retain Knecht could prove beneficial in their quest for an NBA championship.

The evolving dynamics of the NBA, with trade rules and player assessments at the forefront, will be something to watch closely in the future.

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Courtney Tate
COURTNEY TATE

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