Dalton Knecht To Sign Two-Way Deal With Knicks

The Knicks were among several teams that expressed interest in Knecht, who was waived by L.A. over the weekend to trim its roster down to 15 players. The Kings, Timberwolves and Raptors were also mentioned as teams that might be willing to offer a two-way deal.

The 25-year-old small forward was viewed as a potential rotation piece when the Lakers selected him out of Tennessee with the 17th pick in the 2024 draft. However, he wasn’t able to provide the scoring production that was expected and he was facing a diminished role in L.A. even if he had made the team.

After appearing in 78 games as a rookie, Knecht saw his playing time cut nearly in half to 10.2 minutes per night in 54 games last season. He averaged 4.2 points and 1.2 rebounds while shooting 45.5% from the field and 34.2% from three-point range.

Knecht may see time with the Knicks’ G League affiliate in Westchester as he adjusts to a new organization. He will be eligible to play 50 NBA games this season as long as he remains on a two-way contract.

New York is technically the second NBA team for Knecht, but he was briefly traded to Charlotte at the 2025 deadline as part of the return for Mark Williams. That deal was rescinded when Williams failed his physical, and Knecht was returned to the Lakers without ever playing for the Hornets.

McCullar, a 25-year-old small forward, was in his third straight year with the Knicks on a two-way contract. He appeared in 21 NBA games last season. averaging 2.4 points, 1.3 rebounds and 1.0 assists in 7.4 minutes per night. He did earn a championship ring and got to take part in Tuesday’s ring night ceremony, Scotto notes.