Mavericks' lost trade target from botched Luka Doncic deal is back on the market

When the Dallas Mavericks traded Luka Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers for Anthony Davis, Mavericks fans desperately wished that the Mavs had gotten more for their former franchise cornerstone. Davis, Max Christie, and a singular first-round pick are nowhere near enough for a player of Doncic's caliber, but one player who was originally in negotiations between Dallas and Los Angeles may officially be available in a trade.

Dalton Knecht seems to be available in a trade, as Dan Woike of The Athletic reported that his availability during Summer League in Las Vegas was "no real secret," (subscription required). Although Knecht struggled in Summer League, his low trade value is what could have the Mavericks calling later this season.

If the Mavericks were to make some sort of two-for-one trade with Los Angeles, Knecht would be an intriguing option to bring in, especially since the Lakers may be forced to attach second-round draft capital for Dallas to take him on.

Mavericks could eye a trade for Dalton Knecht now

It would be smart for the Mavericks to look to add some draft capital, especially since Cooper Flagg begins his NBA career this season, and having as many chances to add a young player is always worth it when you're trying to build around a young superstar. Not to mention, Knecht may also have something in the tank after having his trade value plummet this summer.

Last season as a rookie for the Lakers, Knecht averaged 9.1 points and 2.8 rebounds per game while shooting 37.6 percent from downtown, and his dominant 3-point shooting had fans begging for more. He was one of four rookies to drop 25 or more points in at least four games, joining Stephon Castle, Zacccharie Risacher, and Jared McCain, and he looked like the real deal when he was lighting it up from downtown.

On one hand, he was a potential-packed sharpshooter who looked like he had a long NBA career ahead of him. On the other hand, his defensive limitations and inconsistency were too glaring to overlook, and these seem to be two of the main things that might keep him from a team making a move for him this summer.

He had already been traded once in the middle of last season, in the Mark Williams trade with the Charlotte Hornets that ultimately got rescinded, and it wouldn't be surprising if he gets moved again this season.

It would only make sense for the Mavericks to pursue him if they somehow had an open roster spot near the time of the trade deadline, and he is definitely a decent buy-low candidate for Nico Harrison to consider if they need more shooting.

Dallas' 3-point shooting is a slight question mark since they're dialed in on playing double-big with Anthony Davis and Dereck Lively II or Daniel Gafford, and that's one area where Knecht thrives. His ability to score in bunches and let it fly with confidence is intriguing, and his defensive deficiencies would be covered up by Dallas' defensive monsters such as Davis, Lively II, Gafford, and Flagg.

The reward highly outweighs the risk from trading for Knecht, as he has a team option in his contract after this season, and considering how much Mavs fans wished that he was included in the Doncic trade, he would likely be welcomed with open arms.