Knicks Open to Trading Former Celtics Forward Before Deadline
The New York Knicks are considering trading Guerschon Yabusele as the Feb. 5 trade deadline approaches. According to James Edwards of The Athletic, the Knicks aim to improve their roster and view Yabusele as a movable piece.
Yabusele, a former Boston Celtics pick, signed a two-year, $11.2 million deal with New York after a strong season with Philadelphia. However, his performance with the Knicks has been underwhelming. He averages just 3.0 points and 2.2 rebounds in 9.6 minutes per game while struggling on defense and shooting 30.6% from three-point range.
Originally selected 16th overall in the 2016 NBA Draft by Boston, Yabusele spent two seasons with the Celtics before playing overseas for five years. A solid showing for France at the 2024 Olympics led to his NBA return with the Sixers, followed by his signing with New York.
Moving Yabusele will not be straightforward for New York. He holds a $5.7 million player option for next season, which complicates trade negotiations. The Knicks may have to include draft picks or package him with a promising young player to facilitate a deal.
The Knicks are actively seeking to upgrade Yabusele’s backup big man role and are also targeting a backup point guard behind star Jalen Brunson. Currently, New York has only 14 players on its roster and is restricted by the salary cap apron, limiting their ability to sign additional players before April without a trade.
Despite the Knicks’ interest in trading him, the Celtics appear unlikely to pursue Yabusele. Boston trails New York by three games in the Eastern Conference standings and does not seem to have intentions of reacquiring their former draft pick.
The Knicks’ trade deadline moves will be closely watched as they try to enhance their rotation and remain competitive in the tightly contested Eastern Conference.
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