New York Knicks sign Dalton Knecht and acquire Elfrid Payton rights

The New York Knicks have reached an agreement to sign forward Dalton Knecht to a two-way contract. Knecht, 25, was recently waived by the Los Angeles Lakers prior to the 2026-27 NBA season. A former first-round pick from the 2024 NBA Draft, Knecht previously averaged 9.1 points and 37.6 percent from three-point range during his rookie season with the Lakers.

To facilitate Knecht’s arrival, the Knicks released Kevin McCullar Jr. Additionally, the team’s G League affiliate, the Westchester Knicks, acquired the returning player rights to veteran guard Elfrid Payton. The Westchester Knicks traded their 2026 second-round pick in the NBA G League Draft to the Austin Spurs to complete the transaction. Payton is expected to serve in a mentorship role to assist with the development of younger players in the G League.