Lakers predicted to trade Dalton Knecht, Jarred Vanderbilt for $62M elite shooter in 4-team deal originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Los Angeles Lakers have handled this offseason about as well as they could, especially after moving on from LeBron James and beginning a new era around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves. The two stars are now the faces of the historic franchise.
The Lakers are in a strong position heading into the upcoming season. However, after making several trades and signings, Los Angeles will have to make another move because it currently sits above the regular-season roster limit.
“Clearly, the Lakers need to dump someone, and I think it's going to be one of three players," Lakers insider Jovan Buha said. "It's going to either be Dalton Knecht, Jaden Hardy, or Bronny James."
Los Angeles could also look to trade away one or two players before training camp begins. Since the start of the summer, the Lakers have reportedly been shopping Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt, potentially with the goal of turning them into a starting-caliber player.
“The Lakers are actively shopping Dalton Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt in trade talks. After gaining two second-round picks in the Deandre Ayton trade, Los Angeles could consolidate those assets in a deal immediately for a starting-caliber wing," NBA reporter Evan Sidery wrote.
Heavy.com’s Adel Ahmad proposed a four-team trade that would send Knecht to the Brooklyn Nets and Vanderbilt to the Detroit Pistons, with the Lakers acquiring an elite shooter from the Cleveland Cavaliers in Max Strus.
“Michael Porter Jr. and second round picks in 2028 (via BKN) and 2030 (via DET). Nets receive: Jarrett Allen and Jarred Vanderbilt. Pistons receive: Dennis Schroder and Dalton Knecht. Lakers receive: Max Strus,” Ahmad wrote.
The Lakers would get their roster down to 15 players, which is the maximum number allowed during the regular season. They would also move on from the contracts of Vanderbilt and Knecht while adding another proven shooter to play alongside Doncic and Reaves.
Strus is currently on a $62 million deal with the Cavaliers. Acquiring him would give the Lakers another dynamic offensive option and add even more shooting to a roster built around Doncic and Reaves.
Los Angeles has been aggressive throughout the summer, so making another major move before the season would be right in line with the approach the franchise has taken this offseason.
More NBA news:
Warriors predicted to sign $305M future Hall of Famer, 6x All-Star over Heat, Nuggets, Cavaliers
Celtics predicted to outbid Lakers, Cavs for $46M ex-Warriors NBA champion, pair with Jayson Tatum
ESPN analyst puts dark cloud over Lakers GM Rob Pelinka's future after historic $12.5B sale
Lakers reportedly could hire 11x All-Star, 21-year veteran for front office role after $12.5B sale