Insider: Knicks open to trading disappointing newcomer

The New York Knicks could be ready to 86 the metropolitan career of a former Philadelphia 76er.

Reporting on the Knicks’ potential activity at the upcoming trade deadline, James Edwards III of The Athletic says that the “loudest league chatter” centered around Manhattan states that it’d be “open” to trading forward Guerschon Yabusele.

“Yabusele hasn’t found his footing with the Knicks after an okay season with a bad Philadelphia 76ers team last season,” Edwards reported. “The 30-year-old has struggled defensively while also shooting below 31 percent from three and less than 40 percent from the field overall and averaging under 10 minutes per game for head coach Mike Brown. Given New York’s financial situation, it can’t afford to get nothing out of that salary slot.”

Yabusele was one of the headlining moves of the Knicks’ offseason, which centered on building team depth. He was fresh off a career-best season with the 76ers, averaging 11 points and 5.6 rebounds while shooting just over 50 percent from the field. Yabusele was 2018 first-round pick of Boston’s and played two seasons with the Celtics before embarking on overseas endeavors.

Unlike fellow arrival Jordan Clarkson, Yabusele has struggled to keep momentum rolling with the second unit. He is averaging only three points a game next to 2.2 rebounds at only nine minutes a game. He has not played more than 12 minutes since Nov. 26’s blowout win over Charlotte and will miss Tuesday’s game in Minnesota (8 p.m. ET, MSG) due to an illness.

Due $5.5 million this season and $5.7 million player option the year after, Yabusele will likely have to be part of a package deal if he is moved at the deadline. The Knicks have been active in January/February transaction in recent years, notably obtaining Josh Hart from Portland during the 2022 edition.