From the Lakers’ cut list to Madison Square Garden
Dalton Knecht has found a new home within days of losing his old one. ESPN’s Shams Charania reports that the former Lakers forward has agreed to a two-way NBA contract with the New York Knicks, according to his agents at Excel Sports Management.
Los Angeles waived the 2024 first-round pick (17th overall) on Monday to get down to 15 players. Knecht cleared waivers on Wednesday, which left him free to sign anywhere. HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto adds that New York plan to waive two-way forward Kevin McCullar Jr. to open the spot. McCullar spent two seasons with the Knicks and received his championship ring on opening night.
no renewal
Free for 2 weeks.
A crowded market for a 17th pick
Knecht was not short of interest. The Timberwolves explored a two-way deal, according to Minnesota reporter Jon Krawzynski, and liked him in the draft before he went to New York. Sacramento and Toronto were also reported to be considering players in his group for open two-way spots.
The Lakers had looked for a different exit. Exploratory talks with Milwaukee centred on a swap for big man Jericho Sims, but no trade materialised before the Monday deadline.
What the numbers say
Over two seasons in Los Angeles, Knecht averaged 7.1 points on 46% shooting from the field and 37% from three. His preseason was rough: 3-of-12 from the field and 1-of-7 from deep, with a single shot in the Lakers’ 121-106 loss to Denver last Friday. A two-way contract gives New York a low-cost look at a shooter who hit better than a third of his threes in Los Angeles.
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