Details Emerge on Lakers’ Failed Dalton Knecht Trade Talks With Bucks

Bucks trade talks stalled

Before the regular season began, the Lakers needed to reduce their roster from 16 to 15 players on standard contracts. NBA insider Brett Siegel reported that Los Angeles declined to meet Milwaukee’s asking price for Knecht.

The teams discussed a Knecht-for-Sims deal before roster cuts the previous Monday. The Lakers were unwilling to add two second-round picks for Sims, whom the article describes as a player suited to receiving passes from Luka Doncic.

Knecht’s role faded

Knecht, 25, had struggled to secure regular playing time in Los Angeles during the previous season and a half. He was out of the rotation for much of the 2025-26 season and was ultimately waived.

Before the planned trade to Charlotte, he averaged 9.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 0.9 assists per game. He shot 46.5% from the field and 35.8% from three-point range.

Earlier deal was rescinded

In February 2025, the Lakers planned to trade Knecht and Cam Reddish, along with a 2030 pick swap, to Charlotte for center Mark Williams. The deal depended on both players passing physical examinations.

Los Angeles failed Williams on medical grounds, and the trade was rescinded. The article says Knecht’s circumstances changed after that deal fell through.

Knecht joins New York

The Lakers waived Knecht on Oct. 19. Four days later, he signed a two-way contract with the New York Knicks. Los Angeles had opened the season 3-0, according to the article, after making its roster decision before the first regular-season game.