Earlier this summer, the New York Knicks secured the addition of Guerschon Yabusele. The impressive forward was an unrestricted free agent following the expiration of his contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.
During an interview with Arthur Puybertier of EuroBasket, Yabusele shared his reasoning for joining the Knicks ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season.
“When you look at New York, you can already see that the franchise has risen a lot in recent years,” Yabusele said. “…They are conference finalists; the collective project is visible and very interesting for me. They are a very good team that plays very well together and is playing for the title! Having this goal was something important for me, I want to play for something.”
Yabusele continued.
“Apart from that, New York is a historic team. Playing at Madison Square Garden is the dream of every NBA player, including mine! It’s a special place, I’m very happy to be there!”
Yabusele returned to the NBA last summer. He had impressed during the 2024 Paris Olympics and quickly earned himself a deal with the Sixers. In 70 outings for Nick Nurse’s team, Yabusele averaged 11 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists. He shot 50.1% from the field and 38% from deep.
The impressive forward will certainly improve a second unit that struggled to make an impact last season.
Knicks Benefitted From Sixers Low Offer
During a recent appearance on SK Week TV, Yabusele gave some insight into his free agency. He detailed how the Sixers did extend him a contract offer. Unfortunately, the offer was significantly below what he had expected, which led him to explore opportunities elsewhere.
“I was like, ‘Okay, if they want to resign me and then they give me something good, I will come back for sure. And if they want me to leave, then I will leave,’” Yabusele said. “I didn’t have any hard feelings or a hard time. But they almost didn’t make a real offer. They did, but it was really low. So, to be transparent, I felt like, ‘Oh my God, you guys, it seems like you don’t really want me to stay.’ It was a situation, but no hard feelings. I’m always thankful for them. They gave me my second chance.”
Yabusele will undoubtedly be a loss to the Sixers. However, the biggest blow will be the fact that he’s teamed up with the Knicks. After all, New York is among the favorites to come out of the Eastern Conference next season.
Yabusele is Happy to Join the New York Knicks
During the same interview with SK Week, Yabusele explained why he’s excited to team up with the Knicks.
“I think the Knicks was a great decision,” Yabusele said. “Because I feel like their team really matches my DNA to fight hard…What I like about the team, is what they did this season…This could be a good chance and opportunity to play there.”
Yabsuele will now team up with Mike Brown, who has replaced Tom Thibodeau in the hot seat. New York can now lean on a high-level forward on the bench, which should help provide a level of balance that was missing last season.
Who knows, if he plays well enough, Yabusele could emerge as the steal of the summer.
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