NBA agent makes strong statement about the failed trade between Lakers and Hornets involving Dalton Knecht and Mark Williams
The fallout from the failed trade between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets, which involved former Tennessee Vols guard Dalton Knecht and former Duke Blue Devils center Mark Williams, continued this week even after the two teams played against each other on Wednesday night. Los Angeles agreed to trade Knecht and Cam Reddish […]
The fallout from the failed trade between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Charlotte Hornets, which involved former Tennessee Vols guard Dalton Knecht and former Duke Blue Devils center Mark Williams, continued this week even after the two teams played against each other on Wednesday night.
Los Angeles agreed to trade Knecht and Cam Reddish (along with draft picks) to the Hornets earlier this month for Williams. The Lakers backed out of the deal after expressing concerns about Williams' future health.
The Hornets beat the Lakers on Wednesday night in what was Williams' first game back in Charlotte's lineup since the deal was rescinded (Williams scored 10 points and secured nine rebounds in the Hornets' win).
Williams' agent, Jeff Schwartz of Excel Sports Management, released a statement on Thursday that took aim at the Lakers' claim that Williams failed his post-trade physical.
“The overwhelming sentiment, after conferring with multiple, nationally recognized doctors, is that the Los Angeles Lakers should not have failed Mark Williams on his physical,” said Schwartz in a statement to ESPN. “Mark was ready and able to play for them and should have been given that opportunity.”
This bizarre saga has put Williams and Knecht both in a bad spot.
For Williams, his health is probably going to be questioned no matter what happens the rest of his career. It's going to be tough for him to shed the injury-prone reputation. The Lakers essentially trashed his reputation because they got cold feet after agreeing to the deal with the Hornets.
As for Knecht, he gets to stick around in Los Angeles and play with LeBron James and Luka Doncic, but that luxury comes at the expense of playing time. The former Vol was set to see significantly more playing time in Charlotte than he'll see with the Lakers.
It's unfortunate for both sides, but ultimately, the NBA is to blame for letting the Lakers get away with a shady move that looks shadier by the day.
