Dalton Knecht Finds New Home, Signing Two-Way Deal With Knicks

Days after the Lakers waived him, former Tennessee star Dalton Knecht is signing a two-way contract with the reigning-champion New York Knicks, per ESPN's Shams Charania.

Dalton Knecht Finds New Home, Signing Two-Way Deal With Knicks

Dalton Knecht's uncertain October has taken a promising turn. The 6-foot-6 wing is signing a two-way contract with the New York Knicks, according to ESPN's Shams Charania — just four days after the Los Angeles Lakers waived him on October 19, on the eve of the 2026-27 season.

The Lakers selected Knecht No. 17 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft after his consensus first-team All-American season at Tennessee, where he was the SEC Player of the Year and the highest-drafted player of Rick Barnes' tenure. But after failing to find a trade partner, Los Angeles cut him to trim its roster to 15.

Last season he averaged 4.2 points and 1.1 rebounds in 10.2 minutes per game with the Lakers. He was nearly dealt to Charlotte in 2024-25 as part of the package for Mark Williams, a trade the Lakers rescinded after Williams failed his physical.

The Knicks, the reigning champions, get a low-risk look at a proven shooter who lit up college basketball. Two-way deals allow players to split time between the NBA club and its G League affiliate, giving Knecht a runway to rebuild his value in a winning environment.