Herbert Jones to LA for Knecht, Hardy and a 2032 swap in trade pitch

A Lakers trade idea would send Pelicans wing Herbert Jones to Los Angeles for Dalton Knecht, Jaden Hardy, a 2032 first-round swap and three second-rounders, aimed at giving LA a starting small forward who can guard perimeter scorers after Klay Thompson signed in Miami and Jonathan Kuminga chose Minnesota over the Lakers' offer.

New Orleans has reportedly wanted at least two first-round picks for Jones, whose three-year, $67M extension begins this season and pays $24M in 2029-30.

A separate proposal from Heavy's Sai Mohan, covered by Fadeaway World, would instead send Derrick Jones Jr. to the Lakers for Hardy and three future second-round picks, pitched as a defensive-minded wing upgrade for LA's young roster. Nothing indicates either team has engaged beyond the hypothetical.

$67M · 3yrJones NOP → LAL | Hardy LAL → NOP | Knecht LAL → NOP

+ 3 reports from 2 outlets

Fadeaway World · 4 Sept 2026Lakers trade idea sends Jaden Hardy, picks to Clippers for Jones Jr.

Heavy · 29 Aug 2026Trade idea sends Finney-Smith back to Lakers for Hardy, Knecht

Heavy · 27 Aug 2026Herbert Jones to LA for Knecht, Hardy and a 2032 swap in trade pitch

Dalton Knecht Herbert Jones Jaden Hardy

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