NBA commissioner Adam Silver clears up confusion about Hornets' challenge of the failed trade involving Lakers guard Dalton Knecht

Over the last several days, various reports have suggested that the Charlotte Hornets plan to challenge the recent failed trade involving Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht.  Earlier this month, the Hornets traded center Mark Williams to the Lakers for Knecht and Cam Reddish (the deal also involved draft picks).  The trade was rescinded due […]

Zach Ragan — Tennessee Volunteers News Writer
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Over the last several days, various reports have suggested that the Charlotte Hornets plan to challenge the recent failed trade involving Los Angeles Lakers guard Dalton Knecht. 

Earlier this month, the Hornets traded center Mark Williams to the Lakers for Knecht and Cam Reddish (the deal also involved draft picks). 

The trade was rescinded due to concerns the Lakers had about Williams' longterm health. 

Knecht, a former Tennessee Vols standout, traveled to Charlotte and met his new teammates at a shootaround before getting sent back to Los Angeles. 

The former Tennessee guard scored 10 points in his return to the Lakers' lineup last week in a loss to the Utah Jazz. 

On Saturday, NBA commissioner Adam Silver told reporters that Charlotte has not officially filed a protest with the league to overturn the trade. 

"No, Charlotte has not filed a protest of any kind," said Silver. 

While the Hornets haven't filed a protest at this time, Silver suggested that a protest could still be filed in the coming days. 

"Let's see what Charlotte decides to do here," added Silver. "But either way, it's gotten our attention. We understand that in the back and forth between of teams and trades that to the extent we can reduce uncertainty, that's a positive thing." 

At this point, it would be a surprise to see the trade reversed. 

This is purely speculation, but I'm guessing the Hornets realize that the NBA isn't going to step in and send Knecht and Reddish back to Charlotte. The Hornets could still file a protest just so they're doing their due diligence, but I'd expect Knecht to remain in Los Angeles for the rest of the season. 

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