It's been a full circle moment for former Tennessee basketball star Dalton Knecht. The former Vol has had an okay start to his NBA career in Los Angeles, averaging 9.1 points on 46% shooting as a rookie. This year, he's taken a step back, only averaging 12 minutes a night and 4.8 points per game.
ESPN's new ranking paints both a scary and promising picture for Tennessee basketball
This had led to chatter of Knecht wanting out of Los Angeles for a better opportunity. Lakers beat writer Anthony Irwin has reported that Knecht has met with LA's front office and demanded a trade.
Dalton Knecht approached the Lakers Front Office and demanded a trade, per @AnthonyIrwinLA pic.twitter.com/V0HI6Gw0yC
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) January 28, 2026
It makes sense, as the Lakers have a stacked backcourt with Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Marcus Smart, and Gabe Vincent. Plus, with LeBron on the floor, there’s only one basketball, so even when Knecht played, he was often the third or fourth option.
Knecht has flashed in his NBA career. He scored 37 points against the Utah Jazz in a game in November 2024, shooting 12-16 from the field, which included nine made three-pointers.
Dalton Knecht's legacy lives on in Knoxville
Ironically, Knecht is making headlines with a trade request just as Tennessee basketball gets set to face Auburn on Saturday night at the Food City Center. The last time the Vols hosted the Tigers, Knecht put on a show, scoring an astonishing 39 points in a huge win over 11th-ranked Auburn, a team loaded with talent, including Johni Broome, Chad Baker-Mazara, and Aden Holloway.
The last time Auburn came to Knoxville… Dalton Knecht dropped 39 points 🍊
— FOX Sports Knoxville (@FOXSportsKnox) January 30, 2026
The SEC Player of the Year tallied 39 points on 12-of-21 shooting, drilled five three-pointers, and added in three steals.
DK’s big night led No. 4 Tennessee over No. 11 Auburn 92-84 inside TBA at FCC.… pic.twitter.com/0o608KTxbn
Sports are funny sometimes, as the narratives write themselves. Hopefully, Knecht can find a home in the NBA where his scoring talent is utilized. He was supposed to be traded to the Charlotte Hornets in his rookie year, but the deal fell through as Mark Williams hadn't passed his physical. Ever since then, it seems like the Lakers haven't trusted him.
Rumors suggest the Cleveland Cavaliers are interested in Knecht. This would be a good fit for him, as the Cavs don't have nearly as much backcourt depth as the Lakers do, and he would still go to a team with high playoff expectations.
Either way, we should find out soon where Knecht lands.