The New York Knicks have made a bold statement in free agency, securing French forward Guerschon Yabusele on a two-year deal worth $12 million, with a player option in the second year.
The move gives the Knicks a versatile big man whose recent run with the Philadelphia 76ers and national team has earned him a second chance in the NBA.
Yabusele‘s career has taken a unique path since being drafted 16th overall by the Boston Celtics in 2016. His initial stint in the league was brief and unremarkable, prompting a return to Europe.
But everything changed during the 2024 Olympics in Paris, where Yabusele turned heads with a standout performance for France, highlighted by a memorable dunk on LeBron James and a silver medal finish.
His showing earned him a spot on the tournament’s Second Team and reignited interest from NBA clubs.
The 6-foot-9 forward returned to the NBA last season with the Sixers, stepping into an expanded role following injuries to key players.
Yabusele averaged 11 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, shooting an efficient 50 percent from the field and 38 percent from three. He started 43 of his 70 appearances, proving to be a valuable floor spacer and reliable rebounder.
A new chapter in New York for Yabusele
Yabusele‘s arrival in New York marks another step in the Knicks‘ evolving roster strategy. With the front office expected to use their midlevel exception on the Frenchman, the rest of the roster will likely be filled out with minimum or rookie contracts.
The signing comes on the heels of the Knicks bringing in veteran guard Jordan Clarkson on a minimum deal, as the team seeks additional depth and versatility.
The frontcourt now features Yabusele alongside Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson, giving head coach Tom Thibodeau a mix of proven talent and new energy.
Yabusele‘s improved long-distance shooting should provide the Knicks with valuable spacing, an area that has often been a focus for Thibodeau’s offense.
Yabusele‘s journey to this point is remarkable. After leaving the NBA following a brief run with the Celtics, he rebuilt his career overseas and reached new heights in international play.
His Olympic success in 2024 not only restored his reputation but also demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion against elite competition.
During his time with the Sixers, Yabusele made an immediate impact as injuries forced him into a larger role. He played with confidence, showing both the physicality and skill set needed to compete at the highest level.
His performance in Philadelphia caught the attention of several teams, but it was the Knicks who moved quickly to secure his signature.
Knicks Build on their French Connection
Yabusele is not the only French player in New York. The Knicks have invested heavily in international talent in recent years, drafting Pacome Dadiet and Mohamed Diawara to further bolster their pipeline of young prospects.
This commitment to developing international players has become a hallmark of the current Knicks regime.
The addition of Yabusele may also mean the end of the Knicks‘ pursuit of veteran big man Al Horford, as Boston is reportedly considering a rebuilding phase and Horford could seek a new challenge.
For New York, Yabusele‘s arrival provides a fresh alternative – a player with size, shooting, and recent international success.
Looking ahead, Yabusele‘s versatility will give the Knicks much-needed options in the frontcourt, as the team looks to improve on last season’s playoff run.
The hope is that his Olympic experience and recent resurgence will translate into sustained success in New York.
After years of setbacks and reinvention, Guerschon Yabusele is finally set for a prominent role in the NBA – and the Knicks are counting on his journey to inspire a new era at Madison Square Garden.
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