Los Angeles Lakers wing Dalton Knecht has officially concluded what can be accurately described as a turbulent second NBA season. His flashes of brilliance as a rookie were far more difficult to spot as a sophomore, which has thus posed a fair question: Does he need a fresh start or can he right the ship in Los Angeles?
If the Lakers ultimately decide to give Knecht the fresh start that he seems to need, then a one-for-one trade with the Toronto Raptors for Gradey Dick could prove mutually beneficial.
Much like Knecht, Dick's 2025-26 campaign didn't exactly go according to plan. He turned in an intriguing first two NBA seasons, but he struggled to secure a consistent role in a healthier and deeper rotation this past year.
As a result, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype recently reported that rival executives believe the Raptors could trade Dick this summer if they aspire to cut costs.
"Should the Raptors look to give themselves more cushion below the luxury tax, opposing executives point to former lottery pick Gradey Dick as a potential trade candidate."
If that ultimately comes to pass, then swapping Dick for Knecht would give both players a fresh start and both teams an opportunity for flexibility or clarity.
Dalton Knecht for Gradey Dick would give both players a fresh start
For Toronto, the trade would enable them to cut costs and create a bit more space below the luxury tax. Knecht has a 2026-27 salary of $4,201,080 with the benefit of a 2027-28 club option. Dick, meanwhile, will make $7,131,511 before entering restricted free agency in 2027.
There are certainly arguments to be made in favor of both players being more ideal fits with either team, but Toronto wants to cut costs and both Dick and Knecht need a change of scenery.
In Los Angeles, Dick could slot into the second unit and establish himself as a reliable source of offense. He averaged 14.4 points per game and 17.6 points per 36 minutes as recently as 2024-25, shooting .410/.350/.858 along the way.
In a system run by an MVP candidate in Luka Doncic and a potential All-Star in Austin Reaves, Dick could play off of the stars and increase his efficiency.
Dalton Knecht deserves a fresh start if Lakers don't value him
There are concerns about Dick's defensive inconsistency, but he has the tools to be effective. He stands at 6'6.25" without shoes and boasts a 6'8.75" wingspan. Though he's not the most explosive athlete, he has respectable agility that should at least help him navigate screens if he's committed to improving in that regard.
Even if Dick fails to progress, however, the Lakers would have the luxury of restricted free agency to help them gauge his market value and determine what the next step should be.
Perhaps Dick wouldn't excel in Los Angeles, but that result could also inform the Lakers' philosophy. If Dick struggles in the same way Knecht has, then the Lakers can close the book on a certain archetype fitting their rotational structure.
It would certainly be ideal to land a two-way player if Knecht is traded, but if his market value is as suppressed as speculated, then a swap for Dick can give the Lakers closure and their former first-round pick a fresh start.
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