Knicks, Timberwolves Eye Dalton Knecht After Lakers Exit
WHO:
RealGM Basketball - The Cleveland Cavaliers and Sacramento Kings also expressed interest in Dalton Knecht.
RealGM Basketball - Kevin McCullar Jr. was waived by the Knicks to open a two-way roster spot for Knecht.
NY Post - Dalton Knecht is a former Los Angeles Lakers guard.
RealGM Basketball - The New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves are reportedly interested in Dalton Knecht.
RealGM Basketball - Knecht is 25 years old.
WHAT:
Blazer's Edge - Knecht appeared in 54 games for the Lakers last season, averaging 4.2 points in 10.2 minutes per game.
Blazer's Edge - Knecht shot 45.5% from the field and 34.2% from three-point range last season.
New York Post - Knecht wrote in his farewell letter: “Things may not always go the way we expect, and sometimes life takes us in a different direction. Leaving this chapter behind is never easy, but I will always be grateful for the opportunity to represent one of the greatest franchises in NBA history.”
New York Post - Knecht added that the love, support, and memories “will always mean something special” to him.
New York Post - Knecht wrote in a farewell letter to Lakers fans: “Every moment, every lesson, and every opportunity helped me grow not only as a player but also as a person.”
New York Post - Knecht said leaving the Lakers was difficult and expressed gratitude for representing the franchise, adding that the support and memories would always mean something special to him.
New York Post - Knecht signed a two-year deal with the Knicks, ESPN.com reported.
New York Post - During his rookie season, Knecht averaged 9.1 points per game and shot 37% from three-point range.
New York Post - Knecht played 18 total minutes across five playoff games against the Rockets and Thunder.
New York Post - Kevin McCullar Jr. played 25 games for the Knicks over two seasons, averaging 2.2 points per game.
New York Post - James Wiseman claimed the Knicks’ final roster spot after an impressive training camp and preseason.
RealGM Basketball - Knecht agreed to sign a two-way contract with the Knicks.
RealGM Basketball - Knecht was the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, selected out of Tennessee.
RealGM Basketball - Knecht initially found success with the Lakers during his rookie season but later fell out of J.J. Redick’s rotation.
RealGM Basketball - Knecht was included in the Lakers’ rescinded trade with the Charlotte Hornets for Mark Williams at the 2025 trade deadline.
NY Post - Knecht is drawing interest from two of the NBA’s best teams.
RealGM Basketball - Knecht was waived by the Lakers before the season.
RealGM Basketball - Knecht is eligible to sign a two-way deal.
RealGM Basketball - Knecht averaged 4.2 points and 1.4 rebounds last season.
WHERE:
NY Post - Knecht played for the Los Angeles Lakers.
RealGM Basketball - The teams reportedly interested in Knecht are the New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves.
WHEN:
Blazer's Edge - ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the Knicks signed Knecht to a two-way contract.
New York Post - Knecht signed with the Knicks on Friday morning.
WHY:
New York Post - The Knicks appear to have faith in James Wiseman’s development after disappointing stints with the Warriors, Pistons, and Pacers.
New York Post - The Knicks waived Kevin McCullar Jr. to make room for Knecht.
RealGM Basketball - Knecht is eligible to sign a two-way deal; the article does not state why the teams are interested.
HOW:
RealGM Basketball - Knecht could sign with a team through a two-way deal.
Dalton Knecht has agreed to a two-way contract with the New York Knicks after being waived by the Los Angeles Lakers. To open a roster spot, New York waived Kevin McCullar Jr., who appeared in 25 games across two seasons with the team. The 25-year-old Knecht was the 17th pick in the 2024 draft, coming out of Tennessee, and also drew interest from the Timberwolves, Cavaliers, and Kings. He played 54 games for the Lakers last season, averaging 4.2 points and 1.4 rebounds in 10.2 minutes per game, while shooting 45.5 percent from the field and 34.2 percent from three-point range. Knecht had a stronger rookie season, averaging 9.1 points, but later fell out of the Lakers’ rotation. In a farewell message, he said leaving was difficult and thanked Lakers fans for their support, lessons, and memories.