Could Guerschon Yabusele Be the Depth Piece the Suns Need at the Four?
The Phoenix Suns have been rolling with a tight rotation, but if there’s one area that could use a little reinforcement, it’s the power forward spot. Right now, Ryan Dunn is the only true four seeing consistent minutes, and while Dillon Brooks can slide up in small-ball lineups and Rasheer Fleming is starting to find his footing, the depth chart is undeniably thin.
That’s where Guerschon Yabusele could come into play.
No, this isn’t a blockbuster move. It’s not going to shake up the Western Conference standings or dominate headlines. But for a Suns team built around stars and in need of role-player glue, it might be exactly the kind of under-the-radar addition that pays off when it matters most.
A Straight-Up Swap That Makes Sense
Here’s the framework: Yabusele for Nick Richards. The salaries match, the needs align, and both teams are reportedly open to making a move.
The Suns have been exploring options to move Richards and his expiring deal, and the Knicks, according to recent reporting, are looking to bolster their frontcourt depth behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson. This isn’t just theoretical - it’s a deal that could happen without much cap gymnastics or long-term risk.
From the Suns’ perspective, the appeal is simple: Yabusele gives them a body at the four who, at his best, brings floor spacing and defensive effort - two traits that fit right into what Phoenix is trying to build off the bench.
What Went Wrong in New York?
Let’s not sugarcoat it - Yabusele’s stint with the Knicks hasn’t gone according to plan. After a strong 2024-25 season with the Sixers, where he shot 38% from three and made a name for himself as a high-motor, hustle-first forward, he just hasn’t found his rhythm in New York. The production has dipped to 3 points and 2 boards per game, and the fit hasn’t looked quite right.
But sometimes, all a player needs is a fresh start.
Yabusele’s game thrives on energy, chemistry, and defined roles. In Philly, he knew exactly what was expected of him: hit open shots, crash the glass, and bring the juice defensively. In Phoenix, he’d be walking into a locker room that values effort and accountability - a group that’s leaned into its identity as a team that outworks opponents, not just out-talents them.
The Right Role at the Right Time
The Suns don’t need Yabusele to be a 30-minute-per-night guy. They need someone who can give them 10-15 solid minutes when the starters rest, someone who can hold his own defensively, space the floor just enough to keep defenses honest, and bring a little fire to the second unit.
He’s not going to take over games, but that’s not the point. He’s a role player, and when used correctly, a valuable one.
And if he can rediscover even a portion of the form he showed in Philadelphia - the activity, the confidence, the physicality - then this is a move that could quietly strengthen Phoenix’s playoff rotation.
A Win-Win Deadline Deal?
For the Knicks, flipping Yabusele for a backup big like Richards makes sense as they look to shore up the center spot behind Towns and Robinson. For the Suns, it’s about filling a positional need with a player who fits the culture and the scheme.
It’s not a headline-grabber, but it’s the kind of deal that smart front offices make - addressing needs without overpaying, and betting on the right kind of bounce-back.
If Yabusele finds his groove in the desert, don’t be surprised if this trade looks a lot better in April than it does in January.