It’s been pretty smooth sailing for the New York Knicks this season. They won the NBA Cup in Las Vegas last week, and sit just behind the Detroit Pistons, #2 in the Eastern Conference.
Jalen Brunson just dropped 47 in a home win, and the team has continued to play at a high level despite some injuries to key role players.
One thing may be changing for New York, though. They signed forward Guerschon Yabusele in the offseason following a successful campaign with the Philadelphia 76ers.
He has struggled to contribute on the floor, with production down across the board.
Per James Edwards III of the Athletic, the Knicks are open to moving their big man.
The good news is that, if the team opts to make a deal, a 2-year, $12 million salary is easily tradable.
Guerschon Yabusele Struggling in New York
After a strong showing in the 2024 Paris Olympics, Guerschon Yabusele instantly landed himself on NBA radars. A first-round pick of the Boston Celtics in 2016, he lasted only two years in the association before going overseas.
Most notably, his dunk on LeBron James, which went viral, showed just how much the big man has grown.
Yabusele averaged 11 points per game, and proved extremely efficient in Philadelphia a season ago. He opted to leave the Sixers for greener pastures, joining the contending Knicks on the two-year, $12 million deal mentioned above.
He is averaging just nine minutes per night, contributing three points and less than two rebounds per contest. Field goal percentage, a strength of Yabusele, is down at just 39% this season. It is admittedly a little different to come into a Knicks system centered on Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Even still, the fact that he went from 25 minutes a night a season ago, to DNP-CD, is certainly worth discussing.
The fit has not been there, and of course, when that is the case, trade winds may indeed blow. The Knicks are pretty set at the center spot with Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson. Josh Hart has held it down at the PF spot, though they could certainly use one more efficient big body.
Potential Guercshon Yabusele Trade Destinations
The Knicks really have nothing to worry about as far as the playoffs go. They will certainly be there come April, likely in one of the top few spots in the Eastern Conference.
Like the other teams around them though, they will be trying to shore up the roster ahead of the February 5 trade deadline. Knowing that Guerschon Yabusele is available in a trade could have a number of different teams calling.
The Cleveland Cavaliers could take a flier and send Dean Wade, who has a matching $6 million annual salary. He has struggled this season as well, but would provide defensive versatility and forward depth for New York.
Yabusele could provide some nice size in Phoenix, who doesn’t have a done of depth at the power forward position. Nick Richards salary should match, and a big-man swap could make sense.
Perhaps the Lakers could make sense as a bench option, if they’re willing to part with Dalton Knecht. He has been mentioned in trade rumors for the past couple of campaigns.
If New York does decide they want to trade Yabusele, than he will certainly be moved somewhere. There will be no shortage of suitors.
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