Dalton Knecht will be rejoining the Los Angeles Lakers following a failed trade.

Dalton Knecht and JJ Redick

After Mark Williams reportedly failed his physical test, the Lakers decided not to go through with the trade. This meant that Dalton Knecht and Cam Reddish, who were supposed to be donning the Charlotte Hornets’ colors, would be returning back to the gold and purple setting. However, such back and forth has seemingly taken a toll on Knecht, who had a blunt request to the Lakers’ coach, JJ Redick.

According to reports from ‘@jovanbuha,’ Knecht asked Redick to give him more time to process the entire fiasco. The same sentiment was echoed via a post from X account, ‘Legion Hoops.’ It read, “Dalton Knecht told JJ Redick prior to yesterday’s game that he’ll need more time to process everything before returning to play.”

As for Knecht and Reddish, both the players did not make their debut for the Hornets. However, Knecht did take part in a shootaround this Friday. Now, with the rookie making such a request, JJ Redick too, seems to be handling the situation with utmost care.

JJ Redick Empathizes With Dalton Knecht

JJ Reddick seems to have understood the mental turmoil that went through Dalton Knecht. Afterall, trying to settle into a completely new setting and then coming back to the old routine is surely tough to adjust to. Thus, the Lakers’ head coach is full of empathy for the rookie.

“I spoke with him this morning. I expressed to him the empathy and grace that I will give him and have for him right now. He has, obviously, been through a whirlwind of emotion as a rookie over the last few days,” said Reddick.

Thus, the situation with Dalton Knecht looks a little bit complicated at the moment. It will now be interesting to see how he can process his emotions and come back to performing well for his team again.