Dalton Knecht has found a new NBA home just days after the Los Angeles Lakers waived him. The New York Knicks agreed to sign the 6-foot-6 forward to a two-way deal, his agents at Excel Sports Management told Shams Charania on Friday.
Knecht, selected with the No. 17 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft after a standout junior season at the University of Tennessee, will look for a fresh start with the defending champions and try to tap into the promise he showed as a rookie in Los Angeles. During a nine-game stretch in November 2024-25, he averaged 18.9 points on 55.4% shooting (52.2% from three), 4.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists.
Inconsistent Early Career
Knecht finished his rookie season averaging 9.1 points on 46.1% shooting (37.6% from three) and 2.8 rebounds in 19.2 minutes across 78 games. In his second year, his playing time dropped to 10.2 minutes over 54 games, and he averaged 4.2 points on 45.5% shooting (34.2% from three) and 1.4 rebounds.
Competing Interest and Roster Move
The 25-year-old Knecht also drew interest from the Cleveland Cavaliers, Sacramento Kings and Minnesota Timberwolves, sources told Charania.
To make room for Knecht, New York will have to waive one of its two-way players. The Knicks currently have guard Jaden Akins and forwards Kevin McCullar Jr. and Tyler Nickel occupying their three allotted two-way roster spots.