Dalton Knecht Gets Fresh Start With Knicks on Two-Way Deal After Lakers Exit

Dalton Knecht did not stay on the market long. The New York Knicks agreed Friday to sign the former Los Angeles Lakers first-round pick to a two-way contract, Knecht’s agents at Excel Sports Management told ESPN. Los Angeles waived the 25-year-old on Monday while finalizing its opening-night roster. New York is waiving Kevin McCullar Jr. to create the two-way spot.

Knecht arrives in New York looking to recover the momentum he showed early in his NBA career. The No. 17 pick in the 2024 draft averaged 9.1 points as a rookie while shooting 37.6 percent from three, including a memorable 37-point performance with nine three-pointers. His role fell sharply last season, when he averaged 4.2 points in 10.2 minutes and eventually dropped out of JJ Redick’s regular rotation. Cleveland, Sacramento and Minnesota also reportedly showed interest after he became available.

The two-way contract is a step down from the standard NBA deal Knecht had in Los Angeles, but the destination gives him an intriguing reset. The defending champion Knicks can use Westchester to give him consistent minutes while still having the option to bring his shooting to the NBA roster. For a recent first-round pick whose best skill remains valuable across the league, New York is a low-risk opportunity to prove that his promising rookie stretch was not a fluke.