It will be difficult for the Knicks to trade guard Nate Robinson.

He cannot be dealt until Dec. 22 because he signed so much later than most free agents this past offseason. In addition, Robinson can't be traded without his consent because he's playing under a one-year deal and New York will hold his Bird Rights at the end of the season.

A Western Conference executive suggested to ESPN's Marc Stein that the Knicks will also try to package Robinson in a deal with Eddy Curry or Jared Jeffries.

New York is 4-1 in December and Robinson, who is averaging 10.9 points and 3.2 assists this season, hasn't played in the team's last four contests.