Los Angeles Lakers Trade Shockingly Rescinded Due To Failure To Satisfy A Trade Condition
The Los Angeles Lakers have been busy at the trade deadline. In one of the most shocking deals of the century, they acquired Luka Doncic from the Mavericks, sending star forward Anthony Davis and some other assets to Dallas. While that was the deal most people have been talking about, GM Rob Pelinka also made some other savvy moves. The other blockbuster trade made by the Lakers netted them Charlotte Hornets big man Mark Williams in exchange for Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, and some picks. However, the trade has been rescinded due to a failure to satisfy a trade condition.
Los Angeles Lakers-Charlotte Hornets Trade Canceled
It was the Los Angeles Lakers who made the announcement late Saturday night. According to the statement, the Hornets did not satisfy some condition in the trade. According to Shams Charania, Williams failed his physical, nullifying the trade. For the Lakers, this was a move to provide them with more front-court depth after Davis’ departure. Even with Davis on the roster, the team needed another big man. Williams, a former lottery pick, has struggled with injuries but has been dominant when he is on the court. Apparently, the injuries have taken a toll.
The other aspect of this trade that benefitted the Los Angeles Lakers was the additional roster spot. They were looking to the buyout market to try and add another quality piece after the trade deadline passed. For the Hornets, they lose out on premium draft capital and a promising young shooter. Knecht has struggled over the past few months but has had flashes of greatness. The Lakers’ 2031 pick could be valuable depending on what happens to this current roster. Both teams now have to figure out how to go from here.
Outlook For Both Teams
The Los Angeles Lakers have some major questions to answer about their front-court depth. Jaxon Hayes will likely continue to get the bulk of the work at the center position. Head coach JJ Redick will have to get creative with rim protection. There is some good news for the franchise. They get to hang onto one of their young players as well as valuable draft capital. There may be some awkwardness with the players returning to the team after being traded, but ultimately, most players understand it is a business, and these things happen.
This turn of events probably hurts the Hornets more. Moving off of Williams could be a great move, given his injury history. Getting draft capital is exactly what a struggling team needs. It allows them another chance at grabbing a franchise-changing player. Now, they have to continue to use the resources they have to try and build a winning franchise, something they haven’t been able to do for years.
Final Thoughts
This is a shocking development in the NBA world. We rarely see this happen, though it isn’t unheard of. Players do fail physicals from time to time, which causes trades to fall through. It will be interesting to see how both teams move forward after this trade has been undone.
