No Knecht for Jokic? Nuggets’ Dream Trade Target May Be Too Hot to Handle
Denver fans dreaming of a sharpshooting sidekick for Nikola Jokic may want to brace themselves: the Nuggets’ ideal offseason prize—Dalton Knecht—is likely staying put.
Despite pushing the championship-favorite Oklahoma City Thunder to a grueling seven-game series, the Nuggets were exposed for their lack of depth. Reinforcements are needed, and badly. The problem? Their top “dream trade target” is as untouchable as he is tantalizing.
According to Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report, Denver’s top wishlist includes Dalton Knecht, Royce O’Neale, and Keon Ellis. But it’s Knecht—the Lakers’ electric rookie—who has fans and front offices alike salivating.
“Knecht is the perfect catch-and-shoot option to put on the court next to Jokic,” Swartz wrote. “With the Nuggets possibly jumping in as a third team if the Los Angeles Lakers attempt to trade for a new starting center.”
And while the fit is near-perfect, the fantasy stops there.
Knecht is one of Rob Pelinka’s few desirable assets, and the Lakers are unlikely to just hand over a rising star to a Western Conference rival. Especially one who could end up torching them for the next decade with Jokic feeding him open looks.
With a shallow pool of tradable assets, Denver has limited leverage in any major deal. They aren’t exactly stockpiled with first-round picks or young, high-upside prospects. And if the Lakers are dangling Knecht in hopes of landing a high-caliber big man, the Nuggets aren’t well-positioned to be part of that conversation.
Even as fans dream of Jokic dishing no-look assists to a sniper like Knecht in crunch time, reality hits harder than a playoff elimination.
Yes, Knecht would elevate Denver to true juggernaut status—but unless a miracle trade maze opens up, Nuggets fans may need to find another fantasy to fuel their offseason hopes.
