As the NBA trade deadline creeps closer, the New York Knicks find themselves facing a familiar kind of crossroads - one where expectations meet reality, and tough roster decisions can’t be pushed off much longer. Even after a strong showing in the 124-113 win over San Antonio to clinch the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup, the conversation around forward Guerschon Yabusele is growing louder inside Madison Square Garden.
Yabusele was brought in over the summer with hopes of helping the Knicks take that next step after last season’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals ended at the hands of the Indiana Pacers. He was the team’s most notable free agent addition, a move that signaled New York’s intention to keep pushing forward. But nearly halfway through the season, things haven’t gone according to plan - for either side.
Through 26 games, Yabusele is averaging just under 10 minutes per night, putting up 3.0 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 0.4 assists on 39.4% shooting. Those numbers tell a pretty clear story: he’s struggled to carve out a meaningful role in Tom Thibodeau’s rotation. And now, according to multiple reports, the Knicks are open to moving him ahead of the trade deadline.
From a basketball standpoint, it’s a matter of fit and opportunity. The Knicks have depth at the forward spots, and younger players on cheaper deals are producing in ways that make it harder to justify Yabusele’s minutes.
From a financial standpoint, the picture gets even trickier. He’s on a $5.5 million deal this season, with a club option for next year.
League execs have suggested that New York might need to attach a sweetener - a draft pick or a young player - to move that contract if they’re serious about clearing the books.
What’s also worth noting is the backdrop of Yabusele’s departure from Philadelphia. The Sixers had interest in bringing him back, but they were boxed in financially.
Without Bird rights, Philly would’ve had to use the taxpayer mid-level exception to match New York’s offer - a move that would’ve triggered a hard cap. That was a risk team president Daryl Morey wasn’t willing to take, and ultimately, it led them in a different direction.
Since then, the Sixers’ frontcourt has filled out in other ways, and while there was once a sliver of hope for a Yabusele reunion, that window seems to be closing fast. With the trade deadline approaching and the Knicks evaluating how to maximize their roster for another playoff push, it’s becoming increasingly likely that Yabusele’s time in New York could be short-lived.
This isn’t about failure - it’s about fit, timing, and the business of basketball. And as we’ve seen time and again, the trade deadline has a way of forcing teams to make the kinds of decisions they’d rather avoid. For the Knicks, moving Yabusele might be one of those calls - not because he can’t play, but because the current version of this team just doesn’t have the room for him.