Everything suggests the New York Knicks are looking to move Guerschon Yabusele before the trade deadline.
Marc Stein reported as much recently, and that reporting has been confirmed by Stefan Bondy of the New York Post as well as by The Athletic’s James L. Edwards III.
In a recent mailbag for The Athletic, Edwards broke down the financial and talent limitations facing the Knicks as they look to improve their depth.
New York is currently only about $150K below the second apron and is unable to take back more money than they send out in a deal.
They’re unlikely to move on from any core pieces, and players like Miles McBride and Mitchell Robinson have proven themselves important to the rotation.
While Robinson is on an expiring contract that could lead to considering him in trade deals, his ability to generate multiple possessions via offensive rebounds has become a staple of the team’s offense.
McBride’s team-friendly deal also makes him an unlikely trade candidate.
That leaves Yabusele and, possibly, second-year wing Pacome Dadiet, as the odd men out, in addition to whatever draft capital the Knicks are willing to surrender.
Edwards notes that the two players’ combined salaries come to about $8.3MM, so any trade would likely be for a player who makes around that much – and he notes Miami’s Simone Fontecchio as a player who is owed almost exactly that number.
When it comes to what kind of player the Knicks will prioritize, Edwards writes that his understanding is that the team is most interested in adding someone who can both handle the ball and defend, whether on the wing or from the guard spot.
The team has plenty of guards already, but after McBride and Clarkson, the depth remains somewhat unproven.
He also notes that there has been talk of the team considering a reliable third-string big man as insurance for Robinson, who is prone to missing time.
Knicks Notes: Trade Targets, Buyout Restrictions, Hart, Achiuwa https://t.co/fX57sI35nN pic.twitter.com/rxbiHAE8lL
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