NEW YORK — The New York Knicks have officially locked in their opportunistic move. Former Los Angeles Lakers forward Dalton Knecht has agreed to sign a two-way NBA contract with New York, his agents at Excel Sports Management confirmed. Knicks sign Dalton Knecht on two way contract just days after the sharpshooting wing cleared waivers following his release from Southern California.
How the front office landed the former first round pick
By securing Knecht on a two-way deal, the front office adds movement shooting upside to the pipeline at virtually zero risk. Because the Lakers remain obligated to pay his $4.2 million salary, New York absorbs an intriguing wing without taking on a sizeable financial burden. The 6-foot-6 forward showed legitimate scoring punch during his rookie campaign (who can forget his 37-point explosion against Utah), and bringing his three-point stroke into the player development system provides floor-spacing depth.
The former Lakers first round pick hit the rookie wall in his rookie campaign and struggled to find a consistent spot in the roster. The Lakers would try to move him to Charlotte before ultimately deciding to rescind the trade. Knecht would eventually find him surplus to requirements after a summer makeover in Los Angeles.
Roster fallout and waiving of Kevin McCullar Jr at Madison Square Garden
Finalizing this transaction required an immediate roster adjustment. NBA guidelines restrict franchises to three total two-way slots. To create the necessary roster space for Knecht, the Knicks have waived Kevin McCullar Jr., per reports from ClutchPoints and insiders. Taking a flyer on Knecht gives Leon Rose and the coaching staff an offensive weapon to refine alongside remaining two-way talents Tyler Nickel and Jaden Akins as the regular season gets under way.
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