Lakers unsure on Knecht as Suns, Kings trim rosters — Atlantic Division roundup

No Pacific Division teams were on the floor yesterday, but there was plenty of activity behind the scenes. With the regular season looming, the Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings and LA Clippers all made roster moves, while in Golden State, Draymond Green is continuing to adapt to a tweaked offensive role.

Lakers: Dalton Knecht’s role in limbo

Sitting at 2-3, the Lakers are juggling a tricky situation with rookie wing Dalton Knecht. As relayed by Hoops Rumors, Knecht, the No. 17 pick in the 2024 draft and known for his outside shooting, doesn’t have a rotation spot coming out of training camp. The outlet reports that his future with the franchise is murky: he could be traded now or simply kept on the roster for the time being. The same set of notes also references a dispute involving team governor Jeanie Buss and someone named Williams, without providing further details.

Suns and Kings make camp cuts

In Phoenix, the Suns (1-4) waived veteran wing Haywood Highsmith, according to Hoops Rumors. John Gambadoro of Arizona Sports 98.7, cited in the report, had previously said the team planned to keep Jamaree Bouyea as its 14th man and leave the 15th roster spot open to start the regular season. That remains the plan after Highsmith’s release.

The winless Kings (0-5) also moved on from several camp invitees. As reported by Hoops Rumors, Sacramento waived Viktor Lakhin, Tristen Newton and Elfrid Payton. Payton is the most established name in the group, a nine-year veteran who was drafted 10th overall back in 2014.

Warriors, Clippers and a former guard on the move

For the Golden State Warriors (4-2), Green’s responsibilities are shifting. According to Hoops Rumors, he says the trust he has built with head coach Steve Kerr is helping him accept adjustments to his role in the offense. Green is expected to spend less time trailing plays and directing teammates from the top of the key, marking a notable tweak to how he operates.

The Clippers (2-1) also trimmed their camp roster, waiving Blake Wesley, Nathan Mensah, Miye Oni and Jahmyl Telfort, per Hoops Rumors. All four have prior NBA experience, and the report notes that only Wesley and Telfort were in the league more recently.

Hoops Rumors additionally points out a move with a Warriors connection elsewhere in the league: the Wizards converted point guard Reece Beekman’s Exhibit 10 deal to a two-way contract. Beekman appeared in 36 regular season games in 2024/25 for the Warriors and Nets after going undrafted out of Virginia, giving him a modest but real NBA track record as he settles into Washington.