Trade idea would send Herbert Jones, Matkovic to Lakers

A proposed deal would send New Orleans forward Herbert Jones and Croatian big man Karlo Matkovic to Los Angeles for Dalton Knecht and Jaden Hardy. The Lakers would use a trade exception and a non-taxpayer midlevel slot to absorb the incoming salaries, meaning New Orleans avoids adding payroll.

The pitch frames Jones as a fix for a crowded Pelicans wing rotation that includes Trey Murphy III and newly signed Bennedict Mathurin. NBA insider Jake Fischer has said the Lakers are still expected to shop Knecht and Jarred Vanderbilt as they look to upgrade at forward.

Jones NOP → LAL | Hardy LAL → NOP | Matković NOP → LAL

+ 4 reports

Heavy · 22 Sept 2026Bey extension could open door for Herb Jones to reach Lakers

Heavy · 19 Sept 2026Bey's new deal could make Herbert Jones more available to Lakers

Heavy · 19 Sept 2026Trade idea would send Herb Jones to LA for Vanderbilt, Knecht, picks

Heavy · 11 Sept 2026Trade idea would send Herbert Jones, Matkovic to Lakers

Dalton Knecht Herbert Jones Jaden Hardy Karlo Matković

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