The Knicks just got a little deeper - and they have Guerschon Yabusele to thank for it.
In a flurry of moves leading up to the trade deadline, New York positioned itself to land Jeremy Sochan on a veteran’s minimum deal after the Spurs waived the 22-year-old forward. While Sochan’s arrival in the Big Apple made headlines, the deal wouldn’t have been possible without Yabusele making a selfless - and rare - move: waiving his $5.8 million player option for next season.
Let’s be clear - Yabusele wasn’t in the Knicks’ rotation. He wanted a chance to play meaningful minutes again, and New York needed financial flexibility to reload for a postseason push.
The result? A win-win.
Yabusele got a fresh start in Chicago, and the Knicks suddenly had the cap room to make multiple depth moves, including trading for Jose Alvarado and signing Sochan.
That’s where this gets interesting for Bulls fans, too.
A Quiet Catalyst in a Busy Deadline
Yabusele’s decision didn’t just open a door - it blew it wide open. Before the deadline, the Knicks had explored a trade with San Antonio involving Sochan and Yabusele, but those talks never gained traction.
The Spurs held onto Sochan, despite him falling out of Mitch Johnson’s rotation. Then came the surprise: San Antonio waived the former No. 9 overall pick from the 2022 draft, making him a free agent.
Ten teams reportedly showed interest in Sochan, and it’s not hard to see why. While his offensive numbers this season - including a rough 25.7% mark from three - leave plenty to be desired, his defensive versatility continues to intrigue front offices across the league.
He’s a switchable, high-energy defender who can handle the ball and make smart decisions in transition. That’s the kind of player who can thrive in Tom Thibodeau’s system, especially in a playoff setting where possessions tighten and matchups matter.
Sochan may not be a floor-spacer just yet, but the Knicks aren’t asking him to be. They’re betting on his ability to defend multiple positions, keep the ball moving, and bring a little chaos to their second unit.
Jose Alvarado, Jeremy Sochan, and the Bigger Picture
The Knicks didn’t just add Sochan - they also swung a deal for Jose Alvarado, who promptly dropped 26 points on 8-of-13 shooting from deep in his debut. That kind of instant impact is exactly what New York is hoping for as it eyes a deep playoff run. With both Alvarado and Sochan now in the fold, the Knicks have bolstered their bench with players who bring edge, energy, and a chip on their shoulder.
And again, none of it happens without Yabusele.
A New Chapter in Chicago
While Yabusele’s sacrifice helped New York, he’s quietly making the most of his opportunity in Chicago. The 30-year-old forward is averaging 10.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.0 steals per game, while shooting 41% from the field and a strong 41.7% from beyond the arc. He may not be part of the Bulls’ long-term plans, but he’s proving he can still contribute at a high level.
In New York, he was a luxury piece. In Chicago, he’s a rotation player - and he’s showing why he still belongs in this league.
Knicks Fans Won’t Forget
If the Knicks manage to end their half-century championship drought this season, fans will remember the stars, the big shots, and the playoff moments. But they might also remember the quiet assist from a player who’s no longer on the roster. Yabusele gave up guaranteed money to help the team - and in doing so, helped reshape a roster that’s suddenly looking a lot more dangerous.
So next time he’s in New York? Don’t be surprised if someone picks up his tab.