The Los Angeles Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets saw their major trade rescinded just days after the deadline, with Mark Williams returning to the Hornets and Dalton Knecht returning to the Lakers. Before the trade, there were rumblings about Williams and his health, which led to the trade being rescinded as he could not pass his physical.
While trades are business as usual in the NBA, one being rescinded could easily cause friction between a player and the organization willing to let him go. While Williams hasn’t spoken out about how it feels being back in Charlotte, N.C., the spotlight is on Knecht this All-Star weekend.
Dalton Knecht Is Glad To Be Back in Los Angeles
Despite the trade attempt, Knecht doesn’t seem to take things personally, as he provided good context to the saga taking place ahead of the Rising Stars competition at All-Star weekend.
Dalton Knecht on being back with the #Lakers: “It’s strange, one of the few people that’s ever gotten traded and then come back…Glad to be back and be a part of the team. Get to learn from Luka now.”#Lakeshow #NBAAllStar #NBA #RisingStars
🎥: @NBA pic.twitter.com/0eRxLmL8Tp
— LoJo Media (@LoJoMedia) February 15, 2025
“Like you said, it’s strange — one of the few people that’s ever gotten traded and then come back. So, it’s been a crazy journey, and just glad to be back and be a part of the team. Get to learn from Luka [Dončić] now. I had AD [Anthony Davis], Bron [LeBron James], now I’m with Luka and Bron, so it’s crazy, get to learn from a lot of greats.”
Knecht had a successful night in the Rising Stars tournament, finishing with 7 points, four rebounds, and four assists for Team C on the way to a 40-34 victory over Team T. Knecht also knocked in 5 points and two rebounds to assist Team C in its victory over Team G League, 25-14.
He will be a part of the All-Star tournament as a member of Candace’s Rising Stars, headlined by WNBA great Candace Parker, who will face Shaq’s OGs, captained by Shaquille O’Neal and includes his teammate James. Can Knecht help the Rising Stars shock the world and defeat the legends of the game on Shaq’s OGs?
What Role Will Knecht Play Going Forward?
Since the trade was rescinded, Knecht has played one game for the Lakers, finishing with 10 points in their loss against the Utah Jazz before the All-Star break. Knecht is averaging 9.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, and less than one assist so far this season, but he may take a bigger role now that Dončić is in town.
When Knecht was drafted 17th, many people called him a steal in the 2024 NBA Draft. The former SEC Newcomer and Player of the Year showcased his talents at Tennessee and put himself in a prime position for the NBA stage. Now, he gets to play next to Dončić and James, two of the best players in the world. This rescinded trade could work wonders for Knecht for the rest of this season and beyond.
