Former Laker Dalton Knecht join to Nix on a two-way contract, his agents at Excel Sports tell Shams Charanya of ESPN (Link to Twitter). New York will refuse Kevin McCallor Jr to create a two-way opening, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scott (Link to Twitter).
The Knicks were among them several teams that expressed interest in Knecht, who was refused Los Angeles over the weekend to trim its roster down to 15 players. The Kings, Timberwolves and Raptors have also been mentioned as teams that could 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 overall pick in the 2024 draft. However, he failed to provide the bottom line that was expected, and his role in Los Angeles was reduced even if he made the team.
After appearing in 78 games as a rookie, Knecht saw his playing time nearly halve to 10.2 minutes a 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.
Knecht could spend time with the Knicks’ G-League affiliate in Westchester as he adjusts to the new organization. He will be eligible to play in 50 NBA games this season as long as he is under a two-way contract.
New York is technically Knecht’s second NBA team, but he was briefly traded to Charlotte in 2025 as part of a return to Mark Williams. That deal was canceled when Williams failed the thesis and Knecht was sent back to the Lakers without ever playing for the Hornets.
McCallor, a 25-year-old forward, was on a two-way contract with the Knicks for the third year in a row. 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 has indeed earned a championship ring and is scheduled to participate in Tuesday night’s ceremony, Scotto notes.
