The NBA trade deadline is fast approaching, and as teams around the league begin to fine-tune their rosters for the postseason push, the New York Knicks find themselves in a familiar position-right in the thick of playoff contention and swirling with trade rumors. One name that’s recently surfaced in those conversations: forward Guerschon Yabusele.
Now sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 27-18 record, the Knicks are just a game back of the second-place Celtics and 6.5 games behind the East-leading Pistons. After capturing the NBA Cup in December, expectations for this group have only grown louder. Fans are dreaming big-Eastern Conference Finals, maybe even the Finals themselves-and that kind of ambition often leads to roster movement.
Yabusele, who signed with New York this past offseason, has found himself at the center of trade speculation. And while he didn’t come into the year expecting to be in this position, he’s handling the situation with a level head.
“It’s definitely not what I was expecting to [do] coming into the season,” Yabusele told Jared Schwartz. “I thought it would be a little more different.”
A Shift in Role
Yabusele’s path back to the NBA has been anything but conventional. After spending five seasons overseas, he returned to the league last year with the Philadelphia 76ers and carved out a meaningful role.
When Joel Embiid missed time, Yabusele stepped in and delivered, averaging a career-best 11 points and 5.6 rebounds across 70 games and logging over 27 minutes a night. It was a breakout campaign that suggested he could be a valuable rotation piece moving forward.
But in New York, his role has been drastically reduced. With a crowded frontcourt and a healthy roster, Yabusele is seeing just over nine minutes per game, contributing 2.8 points and 2.1 rebounds per outing. It’s a far cry from what he did in Philly-or even what he showed during international play.
“Obviously, my role is different from last year or from the Olympics,” he said.
Knicks head coach Mike Brown acknowledged the challenge of finding minutes for everyone, especially with a deep and healthy rotation. At center, Yabusele is slotted behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson, both of whom have been key contributors when available.
Staying Ready, Staying Professional
Despite the limited playing time and the trade chatter, Yabusele is keeping his focus where it needs to be-on staying ready.
Trade rumors are part of the business, especially this time of year. For players like Yabusele, who are on the fringes of the rotation, it’s all about preparation and mindset. He logged just three minutes in the Knicks’ recent win over his former team, the 76ers, but continues to put in the work behind the scenes.
He’s also competing for minutes with second-year big man Ariel Hukporti, who’s stepped up when the Knicks have been shorthanded. Hukporti has earned praise from Coach Brown for his readiness and ability to contribute when called upon-something that speaks to the team’s depth and internal competition.
Possible Destinations
With the deadline looming, Yabusele could be a name to watch. According to reports, both the San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans have shown interest. For teams looking to bolster their frontcourt with a physical, experienced big who’s shown he can produce when given the opportunity, Yabusele might be a smart pickup.
Whether he stays in New York or finds a new home in the coming days, one thing is clear: Yabusele is keeping it professional, staying ready, and waiting for his next chance to make an impact. And if the right situation comes along-whether it’s with the Knicks or elsewhere-he’s shown he has the tools to contribute.