The Knicks have emerged as suitors for free‑agent wing Dalton Knecht, SNY.tv’s Ian Begley reports, noting the ex‑first‑rounder still qualifies for a two‑way contract.
Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer and The Stein Line earlier linked Sacramento, Minnesota and Toronto to a potential two‑way slot for Knecht. Those clubs each own a two‑way opening, but the Knicks already carry Kevin McCullar Jr., Tyler Nickel and Jaden Akins on such deals.
Selected 17th overall in 2024, Knecht posted 9.8 points and 2.8 rebounds on .461/.376/.762 shooting in 78 games (19.2 minutes) as a rookie with the Lakers. His role shrank dramatically in his second season, dropping to 4.2 points and 1.4 rebounds in 54 contests (10.2 minutes) while shooting .455/.342/.727.
The Lakers cut Knecht on Monday, swallowing his $4.2 million salary as dead‑cap space after failing to strike a trade. For my money, dropping a former first‑rounder signals the franchise’s lack of patience.
Should the Knicks add him on a two‑way contract, will Tyler Nickel be the one pushed out?