Knick President Is Attempting to Trade Ewing

Apparently having run out of patience with Patrick Ewing, New York Knick President Dave Checketts Thursday said he is “actively trying to trade” the All-Star center.

Three Western Conference general managers, who all requested anonymity, told Newsday they have spoken with the Knicks about Ewing’s availability and plan to inquire again.

“We have decided to explore everything we can to make the Knicks a better team, and that includes trading Patrick Ewing,” Checketts said.

Ewing, who is to make $3.1 million next season, has all but told the Knicks he wants out. He turned down a six-year, $33-million contract extension and filed for arbitration to break his contract.

When the arbitrator ruled in favor of the Knicks, stating that Ewing was bound to the remaining four years of his original contract, worth $14.2 million, Ewing said he was angry at the decision and had no comment on whether he wanted to play for the Knicks. Ten days ago, Ewing gave Coack Pat Riley a list of teams he would accept being traded to.