Key Takeaways

• Minnesota had opened a two-way roster spot after waiving Enrique Freeman on October 17, signaling intent to evaluate players released by other teams.
• Dalton Knecht, the 25-year-old former Lakers first-round pick, agreed to a two-way contract with the New York Knicks, a move confirmed by his agents at Excel Sports Management to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
• Cleveland and Sacramento also showed interest in Knecht after his Lakers tenure, but New York secured him even though the Knicks had already filled all three two-way spots.
• Knecht’s career arc includes a notable rookie season with 9.1 points per game and 37.6% three-point shooting, followed by a downturn after a failed trade scare with the Charlotte Hornets in 2025.
• The Hornets trade collapse occurred when center Mark Williams failed Los Angeles’ physical exam, leading Knecht to return to the Lakers and experience a dip in confidence and playing time.
• Minnesota’s two-way slots are currently occupied by Zyon Pullin and Rocco Zikarsky, with one standard roster spot available for further reinforcements.
• New York’s move to clear a two-way spot was aided by waiving Kevin McCullar Jr., illustrating how teams manage roster flexibility to pursue under-the-radar, low-cost additions.