Lakers’ Dalton Knecht would make sense as Sixers trade target

The Lakers already traded Dalton Knecht once. But that deal with the Hornets fell through after center Mark Williams failed his physical. (Why or how, we still really have no idea.)

This has led some to believe that Knecht could be on the move again in the offseason. To be fair, the rookie guard/forward has handled the failed trade with grace and seems to be on the rise again after LA’s stunning deal for Luka Doncic.

Still, word is, opposing teams continue to dream of Knecht. Many believe the Lakers could look to trade him again this offseason. A lot, of course, will depend on how far the Lakers get in the playoffs. So there is still a way to go.

Anyway, as floated by Bleacher Report, the 76ers would make sense as one of the teams with an interest in Knecht. It’s been a meltdown of a season in Philadelphia. Without a doubt, the Sixers will look to make some changes — and perhaps some massive ones — this summer.

Sixers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey has long been known for his ability to pluck underappreciated and undervalued players from relative obscurity, turning them into key contributors without breaking the bank.

The latest example? His acquisition of Quentin Grimes from the Mavericks. But don’t expect Morey to stop there. Knecht would fit the description of a low-cost player who could make an immediate impact.

The biggest knock on Knecht right now is his inconsistency, but that’s the knock on every rookie everywhere. So far, he’s proven to be a steal, given that the Lakers drafted him at No. 17.

But let’s say the Sixers decided to make a run at Knecht. It wouldn’t be easy. 

For starters, it’s hard to envision the Lakers finding a match in terms of trade assets with Philadelphia. The Sixers don’t exactly have a surplus of pieces that would entice the Lakers, and trading someone like Grimes or injured rookie standout Jared McCain for Knecht seems unlikely.

Still, this is where Morey’s expertise comes into play. He’s been known to pull off trades that others would deem impossible. For now, Knecht and the Lakers seem perfectly happy together. But if the Lakers aim to add another win-now piece this offseason, the Sixers would likely be among the teams willing to talk to them about Knecht.