The New York Knicks are looking for a way out of their Guerschon Yabusele situation-and let’s be honest, that’s been one of the NBA’s worst-kept secrets. The challenge?
His 2026-27 player option is proving to be a real roadblock. It’s not that a trade is impossible-it’s just that the path forward isn’t exactly wide open.
But there may be a sliver of light coming from Atlanta.
Fresh off their blockbuster move involving Trae Young, the Hawks now sit nearly $7 million under the luxury tax line. And according to reports, they’ve made it known they’re open to helping teams offload salary in exchange for second-round picks. That could be exactly the kind of lifeline the Knicks need.
Why Moving Yabusele Is So Difficult for the Knicks
The Knicks are operating with almost no breathing room-less than $150,000 under the second tax apron. Even if they’re not chasing a major trade deadline upgrade, they still need financial flexibility. Whether it’s signing a free agent or converting one of their two-way players, they can’t do much until they clear some space.
But here’s the rub: New York isn’t the only team trying to cut salary. A big chunk of the league is in a similar bind.
Several teams are within $7.5 million of the tax line, and five others-aside from the Knicks-are already over the first apron. That means they can’t even take back more money than they send out in a deal.
So right away, almost half the league is off the table as potential trade partners.
And it gets tighter.
Another group of teams is hovering within $3.4 million of the luxury tax-and none of them seem eager to cross that line. That narrows the field even further.
Sure, there are still a few flexible franchises out there. The Brooklyn Nets, Utah Jazz, and Washington Wizards all have room to maneuver.
But none of them are in the business of doing favors. If they’re going to take on salary, they’ll want compensation-likely in the form of draft picks.
That’s a problem for the Knicks, who are already conserving assets. They don’t have any first-round picks available to move, and even parting with second-rounders isn’t ideal as they continue to keep their eyes on bigger fish-like a potential pursuit of Giannis Antetokounmpo down the line.
Why Atlanta Makes Sense
That’s what makes Atlanta’s situation so intriguing. The Hawks have a $13.1 million trade exception from last year’s Bogdan Bogdanovic deal that expires at the deadline. That exception allows them to absorb a player like Yabusele outright, without needing to send salary back.
If the Knicks are willing to attach a second-round pick, Atlanta could take on Yabusele’s contract and give New York nearly $6 million of breathing room under the second apron. That’s not insignificant-it could be the difference between standing pat and making a small but meaningful move.
There’s also a chance to get creative. The Knicks could look to expand the deal by targeting a player like Vit Krejci.
The 6’8” ball-handler is under team control through 2027-28 and would come at a bargain price. That kind of move could allow the Knicks to save money while also adding a potential rotation piece.
If Atlanta is game, New York might even be able to move off additional salary-someone like Pacome Dadiet or Jordan Clarkson-to further open up their books.
A Realistic Option in a Tight Market
Let’s be clear: the Hawks aren’t the perfect solution. But in a trade market that’s growing more restrictive by the day, they represent something the Knicks haven’t had much of lately-a realistic option.
And right now, that’s exactly what New York needs. They’re not trying to hit a home run here.
They’re just trying to get on base, clear some space, and keep their options open for what comes next. If Atlanta’s willing to play ball, this could be the move that gives the Knicks just enough room to maneuver at the deadline.