With the NBA trade deadline just around the corner, the rumor mill is heating up-and the Phoenix Suns find themselves in a bit of a holding pattern. Much of the league is, really, as teams wait to see what happens with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the potential ripple effects of any movement involving the two-time MVP.
But while the big names dominate the headlines, there's a quieter, more intriguing opportunity that might be worth exploring for Phoenix: Los Angeles Lakers wing Dalton Knecht.
Knecht’s Uncertain Role in L.A.
According to league chatter, Knecht could be available, and while he’s no blockbuster name, there’s real value in what he brings to the table-especially for a Suns team looking to fine-tune its rotation. The 24-year-old sharpshooter flashed some promise during his rookie season, but he’s since fallen out of the Lakers’ rotation. That doesn’t mean the talent isn’t there-it just hasn’t found the right opportunity to shine.
Knecht isn't your typical second-year project. At 24, he’s closer to a finished product than most sophomores, which makes him a unique trade chip.
He’s not a developmental stash; he’s a plug-and-play option with real shooting upside. That’s exactly the kind of profile that could appeal to a Suns team eyeing depth and spacing.
A Low-Risk Swing for Phoenix
So what would it take? A hypothetical deal involving Nick Richards and a second-round pick might be enough to get the Lakers to pick up the phone.
Richards, now with Phoenix, was brought in to address one of the same issues L.A. currently faces: backup center consistency. While Deandre Ayton remains the Lakers’ starter, questions about his motor and effort haven’t gone away.
Richards, by contrast, brings a dependable presence-limited, sure, but consistent.
From Phoenix’s perspective, parting with Richards and a second-rounder for a shooter like Knecht could make sense, especially if they believe he can contribute in a playoff setting. He’d give them a younger, cheaper alternative to veterans like Grayson Allen or Royce O’Neale, potentially opening the door to future cap flexibility and roster balance.
The Maluach Factor
If Richards and a second-rounder don’t move the needle for L.A.-and that’s very possible-then things get more complicated. One alternate scenario could involve Phoenix including rookie big man Khaman Maluach, a raw but intriguing prospect. Maluach is five years younger than Knecht and still very much a long-term project, but that’s exactly why the Lakers might be interested.
Yes, the Lakers are in win-now mode with LeBron James still in uniform, but they also have to think about life after him. Knecht may be more NBA-ready, but Maluach offers a higher ceiling. That makes the trade a philosophical question as much as a basketball one: do the Lakers want to develop for the post-LeBron era while still keeping one foot in the championship race?
For Phoenix, this only works if they’re convinced Maluach won’t be ready to contribute for years-if ever. The Suns are trying to keep their core engaged and competitive, especially with Devin Booker anchoring the franchise. Trading a developmental big for a ready-to-go shooter like Knecht would signal a clear win-now approach.
Where Does Knecht Fit in Phoenix?
The big question is how Knecht would fit defensively. Both Allen and O’Neale have carved out important roles under head coach Jordan Ott, particularly on the defensive end.
Knecht, for all his offensive upside, hasn’t proven he can hold his own on that side of the ball. That’s a real concern, especially for a team with championship aspirations.
Still, the idea of buying low on Knecht is intriguing. If he finds his rhythm in Phoenix, the Suns could end up with a rotation-ready shooter who helps stretch the floor and provide scoring off the bench.
And if he doesn’t pan out? The cost-whether Richards and a second-rounder or a raw prospect like Maluach-might still be manageable.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t a blockbuster move, but it’s the kind of under-the-radar trade that can pay dividends for a contending team. The Suns don’t need to swing for the fences-they need to find the right pieces to round out their roster. And Dalton Knecht, with the right development and system fit, could be one of those pieces.
Whether it’s a straight-up deal involving Richards or a more complex package with Maluach, Phoenix has options. And if they believe in Knecht’s shooting and maturity, it might be time to test the waters and see if the Lakers are willing to deal.