Could a former Celtics favorite be on the move again? The New York Knicks are reportedly considering trading Guerschon Yabusele before the February 5th trade deadline, according to James Edwards of The Athletic. But here's where it gets interesting: Yabusele, once a promising draft pick for Boston, has struggled to find his footing in New York, leaving many to wonder if this move is a last-ditch effort to salvage value from a disappointing signing.
The Knicks inked Yabusele to a two-year, $11.2 million deal this offseason after his standout performance with the Philadelphia 76ers last season. However, the 30-year-old forward has fallen short of expectations, averaging a mere 3.0 points and 2.2 rebounds in just 9.6 minutes per game. His defensive struggles and inconsistent 3-point shooting (30.6%) have made him a marginal figure in new coach Mike Brown’s rotation. Is Yabusele’s NBA career at a crossroads, or can he still turn things around?
Originally drafted by the Celtics with the 16th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, Yabusele spent two seasons in Boston before heading overseas for five years. His impressive performance for France at the 2024 Olympics reignited NBA interest, leading to his return with the Sixers and subsequent move to New York. Yet, his current situation raises questions about his long-term value in the league.
Trading Yabusele won’t be straightforward for the Knicks. With a $5.7 million player option for next season, New York may need to sweeten the deal with draft compensation or bundle him with a younger, more promising player. But is this a fair trade-off, or are the Knicks setting themselves up for further disappointment?
The Knicks are actively seeking upgrades, particularly a backup big man to replace Yabusele and a backup point guard to support star Jalen Brunson. Currently operating with only 14 players on their roster and constrained by the first apron of the hard cap, New York must free up resources to fill their 15th roster spot before April. And this is the part most people miss: the Celtics, sitting three games behind the second-seeded Knicks in the Eastern Conference, are unlikely to show interest in reacquiring Yabusele, despite his history with the team.
As the trade deadline looms, the Knicks’ strategy remains a topic of debate. Are they making the right moves to contend in the East, or are they simply shuffling deck chairs on a sinking ship? What do you think? Let us know in the comments below!
