Injured center Jeremy Tyler, cut controversially by the Knicks on Friday to make room for J.R. Smith’s brother, Chris Smith, is still rehabbing at the Knicks’ Westchester training facility as the club engages Golden State in talks to obtain Tyler’s D-League rights, The Post has learned.
The 6-foot-10 Tyler, who had surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left foot in early September, is not expected to be able to play until December. The Knicks are hoping when he gets healthy, the Las Vegas summer-league sensation can play for the Knicks’ D-League affiliate, Erie, then possibly be re-signed if his foot hasn’t hampered him.
But Tyler’s rights are owned by the Warriors’ affiliate, Santa Cruz. The Knicks and Warriors have to work out a deal to transfer Tyler’s rights. If they don’t, Tyler cannot continue to rehab with the Knicks and would have to play in Santa Cruz if he signs a D-League deal.
The Knicks can still re-sign Tyler in December if he’s playing for Santa Cruz, but they prefer to keep tabs on him closer to home and in their D-League system. Tyler has already made $200,000 from the Knicks because his deal was partially guaranteed.
If Tyler is re-signed in December, the Knicks may cut either Smith or center Cole Aldrich. Smith will have already made all of his $492,000 minimum contract, which becomes fully guaranteed Monday night at 5 p.m. when rosters are finalized because of a quirk in his pact.
Smith is expected to play most of the season in Erie. If the Knicks cut him in December, he can still play with Erie as an NBA free agent, but he can’t practice or work out with the Knicks.