Guerschon Yabusele got a second wind in the Windy City.
Less than 24 hours after being traded to the Bulls ahead of the NBA trade deadline, the former Knick scored his fourth career double-double in Chicago’s 123-107 loss to the Raptors on Thursday night.
The 30-year-old forward totaled 15 points and 11 rebounds in his Chicago debut, adding three assists and two steals.
Yabusele also shot 6-for-11 from the field, including three-for-six from beyond the arc, during a season-high 33 minutes.
He reached double figures just once during his 41-game stint with the Knicks — an 11-point performance against the Jazz on Dec. 5 — and had not grabbed more than six boards in any game this season.
The French forward joined the Knicks before this season on a two-year contract worth approximately $12 million with a player option, fresh off a career-best with the Sixers.
The Celtics’ 16th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Yabusele spent two unforgettable seasons in Boston from 2017 to 2019 before rebuilding his career abroad in France and Spain.
He returned to the NBA last season with Philadelphia, averaging 11 points and 5.6 rebounds in 70 games.
The Knicks hoped he could replicate that success off the bench, but Yabusele struggled and ultimately found himself out of the rotation but in trade rumors.
In 41 games, Yabusele averaged 2.7 points and 2.1 rebounds for the Knicks.
The Knicks traded Yabusele to Chicago for Dalen Terry, who the team quickly traded to the Pelicans on Thursday afternoon in exchange for Brooklyn native Jose Alvarado.
Although his time in the Big Apple was short, Yabusele expressed his gratitude to the organization and its fans on social media.
“New York,” Yabusele’s X post started. “I imagined our journey differently, but in the life of an athlete, things don’t always go as planned. Still, I am grateful for every moment I wear this legendary jersey. I want to thank the staff, my teammates and the fans for the support and energy.”
“I wish you all the best in the future. Le Bear.”
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