Mark Williams now faces a rather uncomfortable predicament. The Charlotte Hornets had traded their center to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for small forward Dalton Knecht, but it appears that the trade may be unraveling. Reports indicate that the Williams-Knecht deal has fallen through, and Williams will be returning to the Hornets.
As per ESPN’s Shams Charania, the trade was revoked due to issues that arose during Williams’ physical examination. While he did not fail the physical specifically due to his problematic back, this development means that Williams is back in Charlotte, providing him an opportunity for further growth. Knecht, on the other hand, heads back to Los Angeles, where he must re-acclimate to a roster that was prepared for his departure. Following the trade’s collapse, the Hornets front office released a statement to address the situation.
“We are excited to welcome Mark back to our Hornets organization. After the other team aggressively pursued Mark, we made the difficult decision to move him. We have always held great respect for Mark’s talent, work ethic, and character. We are thrilled to see him rejoin our roster as a dynamic presence at the starting center position. His return strengthens our team, and we look forward to the impact he will make on and off the court,” the statement read.
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) February 9, 2025
This reversal is particularly disappointing for the Lakers as they gear up for their playoff ambitions. After acquiring Luka Doncic, the team had considered Williams a key addition to their frontcourt, especially following the trade of Anthony Davis. With this plan now derailed, Los Angeles is left to fill a significant void.
The prospect of starting Jaxson Hayes alongside Christian Wood and other forwards is less than ideal, particularly given the formidable opponents they may face in the playoffs, including elite centers like Nikola Jokic and Jaren Jackson Jr.
What’s Next For Lakers After Mark Williams Trade Rescinded?
While Hayes has occasionally displayed promise, his performance has largely been inconsistent during his time with the Lakers. The lack of a dependable center could have serious implications for the team’s chances in a crowded playoff race. With the trade deadline now in the past, the Lakers cannot seek to acquire another center for the remainder of the season.
BREAKING: The Mark Williams/Dalton Knecht trade between the Hornets and the Lakers has been rescinded due to Hornets’ failure to satisfy a condition of the trade pic.twitter.com/qwniCa6yOJ
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) February 9, 2025
Looking ahead, the Lakers must now focus on maximizing the potential of the players remaining on their roster. There may be a need for the coaching staff to tinker with lineup strategies, including the possibility of deploying LeBron James at center for certain stretches. While this tactic could enhance offensive flexibility, it also raises concerns about the physical demands placed on a 40-year-old player.
Image Source: Mark Williams @ Instagram
