NBA Free Agency Rumor: Lakers ex-wingman 3 potential destination?

Remember when Dalton Knecht dropped 37 points and nine threes against the Utah Jazz as a rookie? In that moment, he looked like the steal of the 2024 NBA Draft. Fast forward less than two years, and he’s no longer wearing purple and gold.

The Los Angeles Lakers waived the 25-year-old on Monday, October 19, ending a disappointing stint for a player who initially showed the promise of becoming a solid rotation piece.

Drafted No. 17 overall in 2024, Knecht’s rookie season saw him average 9.1 points and 2.8 rebounds while shooting 37.6% from beyond the arc. However, his trajectory shifted after a failed trade attempt for Mark Williams in February 2025. His minutes dwindled, his confidence waned, and he concluded last season averaging a mere 4.2 points and 1.4 rebounds, with his three-point percentage dropping to 34.2%.

Watching his recent preseason performance made the Lakers' decision less surprising. Knecht appeared disengaged offensively, struggled with his shot, and failed to impress defensively under JJ Redick. As the Lakers needed to trim their roster to 15 players, Knecht was the anticipated casualty.

Despite the setback, it’s too early to write off the former first-round pick. Several teams have open roster spots. Here are 3 potential destinations that could provide the playing time and environment Knecht needs to revive his career:

1. Chicago Bulls The Bulls, coming off a 31-51 season, are embracing a youth movement and have an open standard roster spot following camp cuts. This environment could be ideal for Knecht to rebuild his game. The main draw? Josh Giddey. Giddey excels in transition and creating open looks for perimeter shooters. Knecht could thrive by simply running the floor, relocating, and capitalizing on Giddey’s playmaking. While Chicago’s guard rotation includes Norman Powell, Buddy Hield, and Jordan Hawkins, along with developing talents like Matas Buzelis and Caleb Wilson, Knecht could carve out a 15-20 minute role off the bench. Getting him back to shooting over 37% from deep would be a significant win for a rebuilding team.

2. Toronto Raptors Toronto presents an intriguing fit. With a 46-win season behind them and a core featuring Kawhi Leonard, Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, and Immanuel Quickley, they boast a strong defense but lack high-volume floor spacing. Knecht’s catch-and-shoot ability from his time at Tennessee could shine here. He wouldn’t need to handle complex reads; instead, he could run off screens and punish defenses that collapse on Barnes or Leonard. The challenge? Toronto is hard-capped at the first apron with 14 standard deals, meaning cap gymnastics would be required to sign him. Furthermore, head coach Darko Rajakovic demands baseline defense, which Knecht must improve to earn minutes over developing players like Ja’Kobe Walter.

3. Portland Trail Blazers The Trail Blazers, coming off a 42-40 season, are pushing for the playoffs with a roster featuring Damian Lillard, Ja Morant, and Deni Avdija. After waiving Jeremy Sochan, they have a roster spot available. The main catalyst for Knecht fitting in Portland is the unfortunate injury to Shaedon Sharpe, who is sidelined for roughly six months with a torn meniscus. While players like Toumani Camara and Scoot Henderson are in the mix, Portland ranked 28th in three-point percentage. Taking a low-risk flier on Knecht to provide 15 minutes of off-ball movement and outside shooting could be a savvy move for a team needing cheap, high-upside production.

Related Article: NBA Trade Rumors: Boston should sell high Derrick White?