Dalton Knecht agrees to Knicks deal after Lakers release
New York is waiving Kevin McCullar Jr. to make room for Knecht, according to SNY’s Ian Begley.
Dalton Knecht has agreed to a two-way contract with the New York Knicks after the Los Angeles Lakers waived him before the 2026-27 NBA season, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported, citing his agents at Excel Sports Management.
The agreement would allow Knecht to play for both New York’s NBA roster and its G League team. The Knicks are waiving Kevin McCullar Jr. to create space for him, SNY’s Ian Begley reported.
Los Angeles drafted Knecht with the No. 17 pick in 2024. He made 78 appearances as a rookie, averaging 9.1 points and more than 19 minutes per game. His playing time declined the following season, when he averaged 4.2 points and just over 10 minutes across 54 games.
Knecht was also involved in a proposed 2025 trade that would have sent him to the Charlotte Hornets for Mark Williams. That transaction was rescinded because of medical issues involving Williams.
