Unbelievable Trade Rumors Swirl: The Lakers’ Audacious Plan Involves Trading Away Both Rui Hachimura And Dalton Knecht, Their Young Future, To Acquire The Suns’ Feared Defensive ‘Assassin.’ Is This Genius Or Folly?
The Los Angeles Lakers are at a crossroads as they head into the 2025-26 NBA season. With superstars LeBron James and Luka Doncic commanding a combined $98.5 million in salary, the team’s roster is largely set, but glaring weaknesses remain, particularly on the defensive end. The Lakers’ perimeter defense has been a persistent issue, and unless Doncic delivers a career-defining defensive performance, Los Angeles could struggle to contain the league’s elite wings and guards. In a bold and controversial move, the Lakers are reportedly considering a blockbuster trade with the Phoenix Suns to acquire Dillon Brooks, a defensive stalwart known for his tenacity and ability to lock down opponents. However, the cost is steep: promising forward Rui Hachimura and rookie Dalton Knecht, two players seen as key pieces of the Lakers’ future.
The Lakers’ Defensive Dilemma
Despite boasting one of the league’s most talented rosters, the Lakers have struggled to shore up their perimeter defense. With Deandre Ayton anchoring the paint and Jake LaRavia providing versatility on the wing, Los Angeles still lacks a lockdown defender capable of neutralizing dynamic scorers like Kevin Durant, Jalen Williams, or Devin Booker. Luka Doncic, while a generational offensive talent, has yet to prove himself as a consistent two-way player. This deficiency has prompted the Lakers’ front office to explore trade options to bolster their defensive identity.
One name that has surfaced in trade rumors is Andrew Wiggins, but a deal with the Miami Heat appears unlikely due to salary cap constraints and limited trade assets. With few viable options on the trade market, the Lakers have turned their attention to the Phoenix Suns, who are undergoing a roster retool after trading Kevin Durant and buying out Bradley Beal.
The Suns’ New Direction
The Suns, led by Devin Booker and Jalen Green, are poised to remain competitive in the Western Conference. The addition of Dillon Brooks in the Durant trade has given Phoenix a gritty, All-Defensive wing who is coming off the best shooting season of his career. Brooks, known for his relentless defensive energy and ability to space the floor, is a perfect fit for teams looking to compete in the playoffs. However, with two years left on his contract, the Suns might be open to moving him if the right offer comes along, especially as they focus on building around their young core.
Lakers insider Jovan Buha speculated on his podcast about the Suns’ long-term plans: “Does Phoenix eventually realize they’re not going to be a play-in team? And does Dillon Brooks become available?” Buha also mentioned Royce O’Neale as a potential bench upgrade for the Lakers, but Brooks’ starting-caliber defense and shooting make him the more coveted target.
The Proposed Trade: Brooks for Hachimura and Knecht
In a mock trade scenario, the Lakers would send Rui Hachimura and rookie Dalton Knecht to the Suns in exchange for Dillon Brooks. This move would address the Lakers’ defensive woes while providing Phoenix with two intriguing pieces for their rebuild.
Why the Lakers Want Brooks
Dillon Brooks is the quintessential “defensive assassin” who thrives in high-pressure situations. His ability to guard multiple positions, combined with his improved three-point shooting, makes him an ideal complement to Luka Doncic. Doncic excels when surrounded by shooters and defenders, and Brooks fills both roles, reminiscent of former Maverick Dorian Finney-Smith. Brooks’ intensity and willingness to do the dirty work could make him a key piece in slowing down top Western Conference wings in the playoffs.
However, the trade is not without complications. Brooks and LeBron James have a well-documented feud stemming from Brooks’ days with the Memphis Grizzlies. If the Lakers are committed to making Doncic the centerpiece of their future, they may need to limit James’ influence on roster decisions, which could create tension within the organization.
What the Suns Gain
For the Suns, the trade offers flexibility and potential. Rui Hachimura, who is in the final year of his contract, provides scoring and versatility as a forward. His expiring deal gives Phoenix cap flexibility moving forward, allowing them to either re-sign him or let him walk in free agency. Dalton Knecht, a highly touted rookie, is a gamble with significant upside. While Knecht’s fit alongside Doncic and Austin Reaves is questionable, his shooting and scoring ability could make him an ideal floor-spacer next to Booker and Green. If Knecht develops into a reliable contributor, the Suns could have a steal on their hands.
The Cost for the Lakers
Trading Hachimura and Knecht is a significant sacrifice for the Lakers. Hachimura has been a solid contributor, offering scoring and rebounding off the bench. Knecht, meanwhile, represents the team’s investment in youth and future potential. Giving up both players for Brooks, who is not a superstar, could be seen as a risky move, especially if the Lakers fail to contend for a championship in the short term. Additionally, by keeping their draft picks in this deal, the Lakers retain some flexibility for future trades, but the loss of Knecht could haunt them if he blossoms into a star in Phoenix.
The proposed trade underscores the Lakers’ urgency to maximize their championship window with LeBron James and Luka Doncic. With James and Austin Reaves potentially hitting free agency in 2026, the clock is ticking for Los Angeles to build a contender. Brooks’ addition would provide immediate defensive help and playoff toughness, but it comes at the expense of long-term assets. For the Suns, the trade aligns with their goal of retooling around Booker and Green while maintaining flexibility for future moves.
The question remains: will the Lakers pull the trigger on this bold plan, or will they explore other options to address their defensive shortcomings? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Dillon Brooks’ arrival in Los Angeles would send shockwaves through the NBA.