Trade Idea Lands Lakers $57 Million Suns Duo for Dalton Knecht.
The Los Angeles Lakers will enter the 2025-26 season looking to build off last season and make a run at a championship behind their star duo of LeBron James and Luka Doncic.
Of course, the Lakers finished third in the Western Conference standings last season but they were unable to make it out of the first round of the playoffs as they fell to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
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Now they will look to bounce back this season with James, Doncic and Austin Reaves leading the way, though they also made some key additions to their roster this offseason.
In the offseason, the Lakers signed Deandre Ayton, Jake LaRavia and Marcus Smart in free agency to upgrade their roster and they also signed Doncic to a massive three-year contract extension.
By making these moves, the Lakers were able to fill some key holes in their roster as they try to make a run at another championship this season.
Lakers Could Target Suns’ Duo Ahead of Trade Deadline to Bolster Roster
While the Lakers are looking to make a title run this season, they may also be active ahead of the trade deadline to bolster their roster to improve their odds.
Two players they could target are Nick Richards and Royce O’Neale of the Phoenix Suns to upgrade their frontcourt and wing depth.
With the Suns blowing up their roster this offseason as they try to rebuild around Devin Booker and Jalen Green, they may be open to moving some of their veteran players and the Lakers could show interest in both Richards and O’Neale if Phoenix makes them available.
Mock Trade Swaps Knecht for Richards, O’Neale
In a potential trade, the Lakers could send Dalton Knecht, Gabe Vincent and draft capital to the Suns in exchange for Richards and O’Neale.
While moving on Knecht could be difficult for the Lakers to do, swapping him and Vincent for Richards and O’Neale could be solid move for them to make, especially with Knecht’s trade value decreasing.
For Richards, he would give the Lakers another reliable big man in their frontcourt alongside Ayton and Jaxson Hayes.
Last season, the 27-year-old center averaged 9.5 points, 8.6 rebounds and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 60.5% from the field over 36 games with the Suns after they acquired him from the Charlotte Hornets.
Richards is a solid inside scorer and rebounder, which is both things the Lakers could use off the bench as they have struggled with their frontcourt since trading Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks in the Doncic trade last season.
For O’Neale, he would provide the Lakers with a 3-and-D wing who could play a key role for the team off the bench.
Last season, the 32-year-old forward averaged 9.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 0.9 steals per game while shooting 42.3% from the field and 40.6% from three.
O’Neale is a reliable scorer, rebounder and defender who would upgrade Los Angeles’ forward depth and give them another key player off the bench this season.
By making this trade, the Lakers would be able to add two more key players to their roster as they try to make a run at a title this season.
49ers ignite trade frenzy, target Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson to replace injured Nick Bosa!
49ers Target Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson Amid Bosa Injury
The San Francisco 49ers are facing a critical juncture in their season following the devastating news of Nick Bosa’s season-ending ACL tear. With their star pass rusher sidelined, the team is urgently seeking reinforcements to maintain their defensive edge. Among the options available, one name stands out: Cincinnati Bengals All-Pro pass rusher Trey Hendrickson.
Hendrickson: The Prize in Trade Talks
As the trade deadline approaches, Hendrickson has become a focal point of interest across the league, but the 49ers reportedly lead the charge. According to NFL insider Dianna Russini, San Francisco is “showing the most interest” in acquiring the Bengals’ standout. The urgency created by Bosa’s injury positions the 49ers as key players in the market for a high-caliber pass rusher.
Hendrickson’s prowess has not gone unnoticed. “Bengals All-Pro pass rusher Trey Hendrickson is drawing attention around the league,” Russini noted. The implication is clear: San Francisco’s need for a replacement is not merely a reaction to Bosa’s absence but a strategic move to bolster their defense ahead of crucial matchups.
Challenges in Acquiring Hendrickson
Despite the 49ers’ enthusiasm, the path to securing Hendrickson appears complicated. Reports indicate that the Bengals are not actively shopping their star pass rusher. After a recent victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati’s management likely sees retaining Hendrickson as vital to their own playoff aspirations. The win has rekindled hope within the organization, making a trade less probable.
The challenges facing the 49ers are significant. While their interest is evident, the Bengals’ reluctance to part with Hendrickson could thwart San Francisco’s efforts. As Russini pointed out, “most do not expect him to get moved,” underscoring the uphill battle ahead for the 49ers.
Exploring Alternative Options
Even if Hendrickson remains in Cincinnati, the 49ers have not closed the door on other potential targets. The team’s front office, led by Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch, is acutely aware of the necessity to enhance their pass rush. Should a deal for Hendrickson falter, San Francisco may turn its attention to other viable candidates.
Names like Jermaine Johnson of the New York Jets, who could reunite with former defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, and Miami Dolphins pass rushers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips are also on the radar. Each of these players presents a unique opportunity for the 49ers to address their immediate needs on the defensive front.
A Clear Plan Amid Uncertainty
What stands out amid the uncertainty is the 49ers’ determination to bolster their pass rush. Their proactive approach in pursuing Hendrickson reflects a broader strategy to navigate Bosa’s absence effectively. While the likelihood of landing the Bengals’ pass rusher may be low, the interest itself signals a commitment to maintaining competitive pressure on opposing offenses.
As the trade deadline looms, the question for the 49ers is not just whether they can land Hendrickson, but who they ultimately choose to target as they seek to solidify their defense in the wake of Bosa’s injury. The coming days will reveal the team’s final decision in a pivotal moment for their season.
