Dalton Knecht has found a new NBA home just days after the Los Angeles Lakers waived the 2024 first-round pick. 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 was selected with the No. 17 pick in 2024 after a standout junior season at the University of Tennessee. He will look to make a fresh start with the defending champions and tap into the promise he showed as a rookie in Los Angeles.
During a nine-game stretch in November of the 2024-25 season, Knecht averaged 18.9 points on 55.4% shooting (52.2% from three), 4.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists.
Rookie and sophomore seasons
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. He averaged 4.2 points on 45.5% shooting (34.2% from three) and 1.4 rebounds.
Interest from other teams
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 occupy their three allotted two-way roster spots with guard Jaden Akins and forwards Kevin McCullar Jr. and Tyler Nickel.