Guerschon Yabusele was a key part of Nick Nurse’s rotation last season. The impressive forward helped anchor the Philadelphia 76ers’ second unit. However, Yabusele left the Sixers this summer, signing a deal with the New York Knicks.
During a recent appearance on SK Week TV, Yabusele gave some insight into his free agency. He revealed that the Sixers did make him a contract offer. However, Yabusele noted the offer was so low that it made him feel like the franchise didn’t want him to stay long-term.
“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 joined the Sixers last summer after impressing with the French National Team during the 2024 Paris Olympics. He enjoyed a strong return to the NBA and quickly proved himself at the NBA level. Unfortunately for the Sixers, their second unit has now lost one of it’s most important contributors.
Morey Wanted to Keep Yabusele With The Sixers
When speaking to the media, as part of a recent news conference, Daryl Morey admitted he would like to keep Yabusele around long-term.
“We love what Guerschon was able to bring,” Morey said, via Ky Carlin of Sixers Wire. “I think that was a great job by our scouting department. A great job by the coaching staff getting the most out of him. Just like Paul (George), he got pressed into some roles that were a little different from what he thought. We thought he was gonna play more of the 4 and he’s excelled there. He gave us a lot of minutes at the 5 as well.”
If Yabusele’s account of the negotiations is true, it’s clear the Sixers knew they didn’t have the cap flexibility to keep him around. Low-balling him, after declaring that you would like to keep him, is counterproductive. Of course, retaining Quentin Grimes, who is a restricted free agent, is likely the priority for Morey.
Yabusele Happy to Join 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.”
Last season, the Knicks’ second unit was a major problem area. They ranked dead last for second-unit minutes per game. Therefore, Yabusele can likely expect a sizeable role within the rotation, as the Knicks look to push toward a championship.
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