JUST IN: Nuggets Pushes for Lakers’ Shooting Guard in Potential Three-Team Trade to Boost Perimeter Shooting…
The Denver Nuggets are reportedly exploring a three-team trade involving the Los Angeles Lakers and another franchise, with the aim of acquiring rookie guard Dalton Knecht. This move is seen as a strategic attempt to enhance their perimeter shooting and provide better support for star center Nikola Jokić.
Knecht, selected 17th overall by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft, has demonstrated significant potential as a sharpshooter. In his rookie season, he averaged 9.0 points per game while shooting 36.3% from three-point range. Notably, he recorded three games with five or more three-pointers off the bench, setting a new record for Lakers rookies.
Despite his offensive contributions, Knecht’s defensive performance has been a point of concern. This was evident when he was included in a trade package to the Charlotte Hornets for center Mark Williams, a deal that was later rescinded.
The Nuggets’ interest in Knecht aligns with their need to improve three-point shooting, a weakness that was exposed during their playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, where they shot only 31.4% from beyond the arc. Adding a player like Knecht could help alleviate the defensive pressure on Jokić by providing a reliable perimeter threat.
However, it’s uncertain whether the Lakers would be willing to facilitate a trade that strengthens a Western Conference rival. They may prefer to pursue other options to acquire a center without involving the Nuggets. In this context, the Nuggets might consider alternative targets such as Royce O’Neale of the Phoenix Suns or Keon Ellis of the Sacramento Kings.
O’Neale offers a combination of shooting and defense, having averaged 9.1 points per game with a 40.6% three-point shooting percentage in the 2024-25 season. Ellis, on the other hand, contributed 8.1 points per game while shooting 43.0% from three-point range, along with 1.5 steals per game, showcasing his defensive capabilities.
As the Nuggets aim to bolster their roster without dismantling their core lineup, acquiring a player like Knecht or exploring other options such as O’Neale or Ellis could be pivotal in enhancing their championship aspirations.
