# Hornets Avoid Trade Mistake

> Charlotte Hornets got better player than expected after failed trade for Dalton Knecht.
- Title: Hornets Avoid Trade Mistake · Charlotte Hornets On SI
- Summary: Charlotte Hornets got better player than expected after failed trade for Dalton Knecht. Charlotte Hornets secured Liam McNeeley instead of Dalton Knecht…
- Keywords: charlotte hornets, dalton knecht, liam mcneeley, nba, trade deadline, phoenix suns, los angeles lakers, sports, Hornets, Avoid, Trade, Mistake
- Source: Charlotte Hornets On SI — https://si.com/nba/hornets/onsi/revisiting-hornets-failed-trade-for-dalton-knecht-charlotte-dodged-a-bullet
- Published: 2026-10-21T13:17:28+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: charlotte hornets, dalton knecht, liam mcneeley, nba, trade deadline, phoenix suns, los angeles lakers, sports
## Failed Trade Deal
Charlotte Hornets had a deal to trade Mark Williams for Dalton Knecht at the 2025 trade deadline.
## Trade Did Not Pass
The trade failed due to a failed physical, with Los Angeles Lakers backing out.
## Hornets Traded Williams
Hornets sent Mark Williams to Phoenix Suns on draft night in 2025 for Liam McNeeley.
## McNeeley Looks Better
McNeeley is younger and on an upward trajectory than Dalton Knecht.
## Hornets Got Better End
Hornets secured Liam McNeeley instead of Dalton Knecht after trade failed.
## Lakers Waived Knecht
Los Angeles Lakers waived Dalton Knecht, a surprising move for a team without moveable assets.
## Key takeaway

Charlotte Hornets secured Liam McNeeley instead of Dalton Knecht after trade failed due to physical issues.