The New York Knicks are open to trading forward Guerschon Yabusele before the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline, according to league sources. Yabusele signed a two-year contract with the Knicks in free agency paying him $5.5 million this season with a $5.7 million player option for next season.
The 30-year-old has struggled since joining New York after spending last season with the Philadelphia 76ers. He is shooting below 31 percent from three-point range and less than 40 percent from the field while averaging under 10 minutes per game.
Multiple league executives believe New York would need to attach something to Yabusele to facilitate a trade. The Knicks’ financial situation prevents them from getting nothing in return from that salary slot.
Beyond Yabusele, the franchise has put out feelers about adding another ballhandler or frontcourt player. New York lacks a traditional veteran point guard behind Jalen Brunson.
Second-year point guard Tyler Kolek has shown flashes of ability to run an offense and set up teammates. He had a career week before struggling Friday, then played solidly against the Miami Heat on Sunday.
New York must determine whether Kolek’s incremental progress is sustainable and if he can become a legitimate backup point guard. The team’s evaluation of Kolek could influence deadline priorities.
The Knicks may pursue another big man to address depth concerns. Mitchell Robinson has been dominant on the glass, but New York has him on a load management program due to his injury history.
Behind Robinson and Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks lack proven big-man depth. An injury to Robinson would leave New York in a difficult position.
The Knicks typically complete trades well before the deadline. That pattern could change this year due to limited resources for marginal moves.
New York’s decision-makers may wait until closer to Feb. 5 to continue evaluating players like Kolek. The extended timeline would provide better information on whether to prioritize a ballhandler, a big man or make no moves at all.
The franchise has historically been aggressive in trade markets but faces second apron constraints this season. The Knicks’ approach will depend on internal evaluations and available trade opportunities before the deadline.