Knicks rival has checked in on trading for Wesley Matthews

Matthews will be an unrestricted free agent after the season

2/6/2019, 6:47 PM
Feb 3, 2019; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Wesley Matthews (23) reacts during the first quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports / Brad Penner
Feb 3, 2019; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks guard Wesley Matthews (23) reacts during the first quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports / Brad Penner

The 76ers have reached out to the Knicks about trading for Wesley Matthews, reports Jon Johnson of SportsRadioWIP in Philadelphia.

The Knicks have been "exploring the trade market" for the recently-acquired Matthews, Marc Stein of The New York Times reported on Monday.

While the Knicks are attempting to trade Matthews, there are plenty of teams -- including the Rockets, Thunder, Raptors, and Warriors -- who are hoping the Knicks simply buy Matthews out so they can pounce, adds Stein.

The 32-year-old Matthews, who was acquired along with Dennis Smith Jr., DeAndre Jordan, and two future first round picks in the blockbuster that sent Kristaps Porzingis, Tim Hardaway Jr., Courtney Lee, and Trey Burke to the Mavericks, is earning $18.62 million this year and will be an unrestricted free agent after the season.

Matthews had five points and one rebound in 28 minutes on Sunday during his Knicks debut.

If the Knicks trade Matthews or Jordan, they would need to receive another expiring contract back in order for the salaries to match.

Aside from Matthews and Jordan, the Knicks could also trade the disgruntled Enes Kanter or even Frank Ntilikina before the Feb. 7 deadline -- though head coach David Fizdale still insists that Ntilikina is part of the Knicks' future.

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