Dalton Knecht signs with new team after Lakers release

Dalton Knecht. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Dalton Knecht has signed with a new team after being released by Lakers

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Matt Wadleigh | Last updated Oct 23, 2026 11:59 AM ET

The Los Angeles Lakers waived former first-round pick Dalton Knecht ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season, but the ex-Tennessee Volunteers star has now landed with a new team.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the New York Knicks have signed Knecht to a two-way contract. The Knicks are waiving Kevin McCullar Jr. in a corresponding move to make room for Knecht, according to Ian Begley of SNY.

Knecht’s name swirled in trade rumors this summer. The Lakers appeared to trade Knecht to the Charlotte Hornets in 2025 in exchange for Mark Williams, although the trade was rescinded due to medicals for the Hornets’ center.

Since then, Knecht’s role took a hit, and he never found much of a rhythm, which led to the Lakers releasing him right before the start of the season.

Former Lakers forward Dalton Knecht has agreed to sign with the New York Knicks on a two-way NBA contract, his agents at Excel Sports Management tell ESPN. https://t.co/1gePugMy3Z
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 23, 2026

Knecht was selected at No. 17 overall by the Lakers in the 2024 NBA Draft, and he played 78 games as a rookie, averaging 9.1 points in over 19 minutes per game. Last season, he played in 54 games, but averaged just 4.2 points in just over 10 minutes per game, so he had fallen out of the rotation.

The NBA’s two-way deal means Knecht can be eligible to play for the Knicks and their G League team.

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