The New York Knicks are exploring smaller trade scenarios surrounding Guerschon Yabusele as the NBA trade deadline approaches. League sources indicate the front office is prioritizing flexibility rather than pursuing a major roster shakeup.
NBA Insider Marc Stein reported The Stein Line on Monday, Jan. 27 that New York is focusing on moving Yabusele’s contract before his player option is activated. “Sources with knowledge of New York’s thinking have urged it to focus on smaller deals around Guerschon Yabusele’s $5.5 million salary and opting out of that contract before Yabusele’s $6 million player option kicks in for next season.”
Yabusele, 30, signed a two-year, $11 million contract last summer after spending the 2024-25 season with the Philadelphia 76ers. The second year of the contract includes a $6 million player option, which has become a key factor in the Knicks’ deadline calculus.
On the field, the French forward has played a limited role in New York’s rotation. He is averaging 2.8 points and 2.1 rebounds in 9.2 minutes over 38 games while shooting 39.2 percent from the field and 30.8 percent from three-point range.
The Knicks are currently 27-18 and fourth in the Eastern Conference, 6.5 games behind the Detroit Pistons. New York opened the season strong, but hit a rough patch in early January before consolidating with recent wins over Brooklyn and Philadelphia.
With Jalen Brunson leading the offense and Karl-Anthony Towns anchoring the frontcourt, New York’s core rotation is largely set. OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and Josh Hart continue to log heavy minutes on the wing, limiting opportunities for backup forwards.
From a basketball operations perspective, moving Yabusele would allow the Knicks to open up roster and financial flexibility without disrupting their primary playoff rotation. His salary can easily be pooled or used as matching money in deals under the league’s trade rules.
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