The Lakers’ search for a Dalton Knecht trade has included discussions with the Bucks. Whether those talks produce a deal is another question.
Los Angeles and Milwaukee have explored a framework that would send Knecht and second-round draft capital to the Bucks for center Jericho Sims, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
Fischer also reported pessimism from sources briefed on the discussions about the trade actually going through. So there’s a proposed framework, but little reason yet to treat it as an approaching agreement.
As Hoops Wire reported Wednesday, league sources say the Lakers are looking to move Knecht. The Mavericks and Celtics may be among the interested teams. Milwaukee now emerges as another potential landing spot, with a specific return discussed.
Knecht, 25, averaged 9.1 points as a rookie after being selected 17th overall in 2024. His role shrank last season, when he averaged 4.2 points in 10.2 minutes across 54 appearances.
The Lakers would prefer to find a trade before considering a waiver, as we detailed earlier Thursday.
A deal involving Sims would give Los Angeles another interior option while offering Milwaukee a chance to see whether Knecht’s shooting can translate into a more consistent role. The second-round draft compensation would be part of the price for making that exchange.
Both teams have been exploring moves ahead of Monday’s deadline to finalize regular-season rosters. That gives the conversations some urgency, though it doesn’t guarantee either side will find terms it likes.
The Lakers are looking for a way to move Knecht. The Bucks have at least listened. Getting from that point to an actual trade remains the unfinished business.
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