Dalton Knecht: Traded, Age, Height, Knicks and NBA Career

Dalton Knecht is an American professional basketball player who joined the New York Knicks after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers in October 2026. The former first-round draft pick attracted attention during his rookie season, but his role in Los Angeles declined significantly before his departure.

Knecht’s move to New York has raised questions about his NBA future, his previous trade involving the Charlotte Hornets and whether he can establish himself as a regular contributor with the Knicks.

Who Is Dalton Knecht?

Dalton Knecht is a professional basketball forward who was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 17th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. He played college basketball at the University of Tennessee, where he developed into one of the country’s most effective scorers.

Knecht became known for his perimeter shooting, offensive confidence and ability to score from different areas of the court. His performances in college helped him earn first-round draft status.

However, his NBA career has included several major changes. After two seasons with the Lakers, he moved to the Knicks in search of another opportunity.

Did Dalton Knecht Get Traded?

Yes, Dalton Knecht was briefly traded during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers. In February 2025, the Lakers agreed to send Knecht, Cam Reddish and draft considerations to the Charlotte Hornets in exchange for center Mark Williams.

The trade was later rescinded after Williams failed his physical examination. As a result, Knecht returned to the Lakers and continued playing for the team.

The failed transaction became a significant moment in his career. Although the trade did not go through, it raised questions about his long-term position in the Lakers’ roster.

Dalton Knecht Joins the New York Knicks

Knecht’s latest move came in October 2026, when the Lakers waived him ahead of the regular season. The decision followed a difficult second season in which he struggled to secure consistent playing time.

On October 23, 2026, the New York Knicks agreed to sign Knecht to a two-way contract. The agreement gave him an opportunity to continue his NBA career while also allowing him to develop with the team’s G League affiliate.

The Knicks were among several teams reportedly interested in the forward after his release. His arrival in New York offers a fresh start and a chance to demonstrate his scoring ability in a different system.

Dalton Knecht Age and Height

Dalton Knecht was born on April 19, 2001, in Fargo, North Dakota. He is 25 years old as of November 2026.

He stands 6 feet 5 inches tall and weighs approximately 215 pounds. His size and shooting ability make him a potential option on the wing, particularly in lineups that need additional perimeter scoring.

Knecht’s physical profile allows him to play as a shooting guard or small forward, although his defensive consistency remains an important area for improvement.

Dalton Knecht NBA Stats and Career

Knecht’s NBA career began with the Lakers in the 2024-25 season. He showed promise as a rookie, averaging 9.1 points and 2.8 rebounds per game while shooting 37.6% from three-point range.

His second season was more challenging. He averaged 4.2 points and 1.4 rebounds in 54 games, with his playing time falling to approximately 10 minutes per game.

These numbers reflected his reduced role in Los Angeles. The Lakers eventually decided to move on, giving Knecht an opportunity to rebuild his career with another organization.

What Can Dalton Knecht Bring to the Knicks?

Knecht’s biggest strength is his shooting. He can make shots off the catch and create scoring opportunities when defenders give him space.

The Knicks could use his offensive skills to add depth to their wing rotation. His ability to stretch the floor may also help create more room for teammates to attack the basket.

However, earning regular minutes will depend on his defense, consistency and ability to fit into the team’s system. A two-way contract also means that he will need to compete for opportunities at both the NBA and G League levels.

Conclusion

Dalton Knecht’s move to the New York Knicks marks another important chapter in his young NBA career. Although his earlier trade to Charlotte was rescinded, his departure from the Lakers in October 2026 was permanent.

At 25 years old, Knecht still has time to establish himself as a reliable NBA contributor. His shooting ability gives him a valuable skill, and the Knicks offer him a fresh opportunity to prove his worth.