Why the Mark Williams-Dalton Knecht trade between the Lakers and Hornets was rescinded

The Los Angeles Lakers are back to square one on finding a long-term big man to play with superstar guard Luka Dončić.

The Lakers shared on Saturday evening that the team’s deadline trade from Thursday with the Charlotte Hornets for center Mark Williams had been rescinded.

That means that Williams will remain with Charlotte, and guard Dalton Knecht and forward Cam Reddish will return to Los Angeles. Any NBA Draft compensation previously exchanged will revert to the original teams as well.

ESPN’s Shams Charania shared after the news broke that Williams failed his physical exam with Los Angeles because of “multiple issues” coming to light in the process. Williams’ back was reportedly not one of them, per Charania.

Mark Williams' physical with the Lakers showed multiple issues and the team failed him on the exam, sources tell ESPN. The physical was not failed due to his back, however. https://t.co/lY4XrSIlHf

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 9, 2025

This is a tough blow for both franchises, as they’ll both have to try again next time to find paths forward for the players in question.