Knecht for Collins floated as Lakers' center fix

One idea would send Dalton Knecht to Chicago for Zach Collins, giving JJ Redick a third center behind Walker Kessler and Kevon Looney. The Lakers had only two healthy centers last year after Kessler and Looney combined for just 26 games.

Collins shot 42.9% from three and carries an $8.5M team option for 2026-27 the Lakers could decline. ClutchPoints' Brett Siegel reports Knecht is widely expected to be traded or cut before the season after surviving the offseason market.

A separate proposal would send Knecht to Charlotte for Pat Connaughton, a 2021 champion with Milwaukee, addressing the Lakers' need for veteran leadership.

Lakers insider Khobi Price reports rival executives expect Knecht to be cut as Los Angeles trims from 16 to 15 players. Hornets coach Charles Lee and general manager Jeff Peterson have praised Connaughton's locker-room presence.

$8.5MCollins CHI → LAL | Knecht LAL → CHI

+ 2 reports

Heavy · 5 Oct 2026Trade pitch swaps Knecht for Hornets' Pat Connaughton

Heavy · 1 Oct 2026Knecht for Collins floated as Lakers' center fix

Dalton Knecht Zach Collins

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