The feeling for the last few months has been that the Los Angeles Lakers will trade former Tennessee Vols star Dalton Knecht before the start of the 2026-27 NBA season.

Knecht’s fate in Los Angeles was essentially sealed in June when the Lakers selected Baylor guard Cameron Carr (who started his college career at Tennessee) with the No. 24 overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft.

Carr was described by The Athletic’s John Hollinger as a replacement for Knecht in Los Angeles.

The Lakers, however, haven’t been able to find a trade for Knecht that makes sense.

But a trade partner may have emerged that could finally lead to a fresh start for Knecht.

The Chicago Bulls may make the most sense for Dalton Knecht

The Lakers are currently over the NBA roster limit (15), so they’re going to have to make some moves. And Knecht is obviously on the shortlist of players who could go.

LakeShowLife.com pointed out that the Chicago Bulls could be the perfect trade destination for Knecht.

The Bulls have multiple second-round picks (they could send one to the Lakers for Knecht), and they have room for him on the roster.

“They have room for him on the roster. They have a trade exception that can absorb Knecht’s $4.2 million contract,” noted LakeShowLife.com. “They have an opportunity for the scoring wing to earn playing time. Plus, most importantly for the Lakers, they have second-round picks to dispense. Los Angeles is dealing from a point of weakness here. They should be at that point where even one second-round pick will be enough to move things along in a potential trade with Chicago.”

Knecht just wants an opportunity to play, and he’s clearly not going to get that chance with the Lakers. Maybe Los Angeles can work something out with Chicago, which would allow the former Vol the fresh start he desperately needs.