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, according to his agents at Excel Sports Management, who spoke with Shams Charania on Friday.
Knecht was selected with the No. 17 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft after a standout junior season at the University of Tennessee. He will now look for a fresh start with the defending champion Knicks and try to tap into the promise he showed as a rookie in Los Angeles.
Promise Shown in Los Angeles
During a nine-game stretch in November of the 2024-25 season, Knecht averaged 18.9 points on 55.4% shooting, including 52.2% from three-point range, along with 4.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists.
Over his full rookie season, Knecht averaged 9.1 points on 46.1% shooting (37.6% from three) and 2.8 rebounds in 19.2 minutes across 78 games. His playing time dropped in his second year to 10.2 minutes in 54 games. He averaged 4.2 points on 45.5% shooting (34.2% from three) and 1.4 rebounds.
Other Teams Showed Interest
The 25-year-old Knecht also drew interest from the Cleveland Cavaliers, Sacramento Kings and Minnesota Timberwolves, according to sources.
To make room for Knecht, New York must waive one of its two-way players. The Knicks currently have guard Jaden Akins and forwards Kevin McCullar Jr. and Tyler Nickel filling their three allotted two-way roster spots.