Former Boston Celtics big man Guerschon Yabusele signed a two-year deal with the New York Knicks in July 2025, but things haven’t worked out for Yabu in the Big Apple. Both ESPN’s Bobby Marks and NBA insider Jake Fischer reported this week that the Knicks are trying to trade Yabusele before the February 5 deadline.
“Yabusele has struggled to find a role with New York this season after averaging a career-high 27.1 minutes and 11 PPG with Philadelphia last season,” Marks wrote. “Instead, he has been a DNP in three games and has played fewer than 15 minutes in his other 27 games.
“The 30-year-old veteran signed a two-year, $11.3 million contract with New York over the summer with 2026-27 as a player option,” Marks continued. “Trading Yabusele would allow the franchise to sign two players while remaining under the second apron.”
Fischer also wrote about Yabusele in his newsletter (subscription required): “League sources say New York is looking at ways to turn Guerschon Yabusele’s $5.5 million salary into a depth piece for the Knicks’ playoff run. Chatter about the Knicks’ interest in veteran guard help has been prevalent since the offseason, but I also keep hearing that they have been exploring their options to bolster frontcourt depth behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson as well.”
Yabusele, drafted 16th overall by the Celtics in 2016, began his NBA journey with limited minutes across two seasons from 2017 to 2019, averaging about 2.3 points and 1.4 rebounds in 74 games. After departing for overseas play, including stints in China and with Real Madrid, he earned a silver medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, which paved his return to the league. In the 2024-25 season with the 76ers, Yabusele broke out, posting 11.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists over 70 appearances, including 43 starts.
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Despite reduced playing time compared to last year, Yabusele remains a versatile depth piece that might be able to help someone.
Featured image via Winslow Townson/Imagn Images
