Guerschon Yabusele didn't just leave the Philadelphia Sixers in free agency — he signed a two-year deal with the Knicks. Most people around the league thought the move was a win for New York, but the first couple of months of the season have told a different story. With the Feb. 5 trade deadline about six weeks away, Yabusele is a trade candidate.
On Monday, James L. Edwards III of The Athletic wrote that when it comes to New York, the "loudest league chatter" is that the team is open to trading Yabusele (subscription required). Not only that, but multiple league executives believe that for the Knicks to move off the forward, they'll have to attach a pick to him.
Yabusele went from being a boost to New York's depth to falling out of the rotation. He's picked up a few DNPs, including in the Knicks' NBA Cup win over the Spurs. The last game that the forward played was on Friday against the Sixers. Yabusele played four minutes in Philadelphia's 116-107 win.
Knicks reportedly open to trading Guerschon Yabusele before the deadline
It hasn't been satisfying to see him struggle this season, not even for New York, one of Philly's most hated rivals. Yabusele had one of the best comeback stories last season after returning to the NBA following his play in the 2024 Paris Olympics. He had a solid 2024-25 season with the Sixers, but hasn't been able to channel that energy with the Knicks.
He's averaging 3.0 points per game on 39.4% shooting from the field and 30.6% from three after averaging a career-high 11 points per game on 50.1% shooting from the field and 38% from deep last season in Philadelphia. Yabusele's performance last season earned him a two-year, $12 million contract with New York, a decision that the Knicks now regret.
The 30-year-old has a $5.8 million player option for the 2026-27 season that he will almost certainly pick up, a factor that could keep teams from trading for him; hence, New York would have to give up something additional in a deal involving Yabusele.
There isn't a rush for the Knicks to trade him ASAP, so there is still a chance, no matter how small, that he could turn things around. Unfortunately for Yabusele, it doesn't seem like that will happen. The difference that one season can make is surprising, and in this case, not in a good way for Yabusele, who thought he'd play a role in trying to help the Knicks win it all.