Time almost up in New York for Knicks forward
The Knicks have made Guerschon Yabusele available ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline after his minutes and impact sharply declined.
Guerschon Yabusele’s time with the New York Knicks may be coming to an end. According to The New York Times, with the report echoed by outlets such as Eurohoops, the Knicks have placed the French forward on their list of trade candidates. With the NBA trade deadline set for Feb. 5, a move could come sooner rather than later.
Yabusele, 30, stands just over 6 feet 7 inches and has seen his role shrink dramatically this season. After missing two games with a minor injury, he returned to the rotation in a loss to the Sacramento Kings, playing six minutes while finishing with two points and three rebounds. Since then, he has appeared in three more games without scoring. That limited impact reflects a season in which his involvement has been minimal, a sharp contrast to the previous year, when he emerged as a reliable contributor with the Philadelphia 76ers. The writing has been on the wall, and a change of scenery now looks imminent.
Yabusele’s NBA rollercoaster
Yabusele’s NBA journey has unfolded in distinct phases. He was selected No. 16 overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2016 NBA draft. After a stint in China, he joined Boston in 2017 and spent two seasons with the franchise. Opportunities were scarce. He averaged fewer than seven minutes per game and appeared almost exclusively off the bench, never carving out a consistent role.
That lack of opportunity pushed him back to Europe, where his career took a decisive turn. In 2021, Yabusele signed with Real Madrid, quickly becoming a familiar and impactful figure for Spanish fans. In the EuroLeague, he delivered standout performances and regularly stressed opposing defenses, playing a key role under both Pablo Laso and later Chus Mateo.
EuroLeague leads to NBA revival
After winning the EuroLeague title in 2023 and following it up with another strong season, Yabusele’s profile rose even further when he helped France capture the silver medal at the Paris Olympics. That momentum reopened the door to the NBA, and he landed with the 76ers.
Philadelphia’s season unraveled amid constant injuries to Joel Embiid and a lack of on-court stability. The Sixers finished 24-58, 13th in the Eastern Conference. While it was a lost year for the franchise, the situation proved ideal for a player eager to prove himself at the highest level. Yabusele took full advantage, showcasing his versatility and consistency.
He finished the season averaging 11 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists in more than 27 minutes per game. He appeared in 70 games, starting 43 of them. Despite those numbers, Philadelphia chose not to bring him back.
A fresh start in New York that never took hold
The Knicks stepped in, signing Yabusele to a two-year deal worth nearly $12 million, with a player option in the second season. On paper, it looked like a chance to build on his momentum. In reality, the opportunity never materialized.
Under head coach Mike Brown, who replaced Tom Thibodeau on the New York bench, Yabusele has averaged fewer than 10 minutes per game. He has appeared in 36 contests but has not started a single one. With the Knicks clearly not viewing him as part of their core rotation, a trade now feels inevitable.
Yabusele has been open about his goal. He wants to remain in the NBA. The looming question is whether his next destination will offer the right environment for him to continue developing and, most importantly, the playing time he needs. In the end, that is what he is searching for above all else.
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