Needing a change of scenery, it did not take long for Dalton Knecht to find a new team, landing with the New York Knicks after being waived by the Los Angeles Lakers.

Knecht had a promising campaign in his rookie year, displaying his shooting and upside. He, however, was out of the rotation in his second year, stunting his development.

Now, he is hoping that the Knicks will give him a consistent role and help him unlock his untapped potential. In a video posted by SNY, the 25-year-old forward said signing with the defending champions was a logical decision.

“It just felt like the best opportunity. I talked to the coaching staff. I've known them for a while, so it was good. Thought this would be a great fit, and I'm excited to be here,” said Knecht.

"It just felt like the best opportunity. I talked to the coaching staff, known them for awhile, so it was good. Thought this would be a great fit, and I'm excited to be here"

Dalton Knecht talks about choosing to play for the Knicks: pic.twitter.com/tNYKwdMgOs

— SNY Knicks (@sny_knicks) October 25, 2026

The Lakers cut Knecht, whom they drafted with the No. 17 pick in 2024, just a few days before his third year. Last season, he averaged 4.2 points and 2.2 rebounds in 10.2 minutes in 54 games.

New York scooped him up on a two-way contract, assigning him first to the Westchester Knicks to jump-start his rhythm before being called up.

Article Continues Below

He has a chance to get consistent minutes off the bench, joining Miles McBride, Jose Alvarado, Landry Shamet, Andre Drummond, and Jordan Clarkson in the second unit. He, however, will have to be better on defense.

Knecht was linked to the Milwaukee Bucks before he joined the Knicks.

New York is off to a 0-3 start in their title defense after losing to the Orlando Magic on Sunday.