New York Knicks forward Guerschon Yabusele could be on the trading block, and he has reacted to the rumors of possibly being dealt.
The NBA trade deadline is just over a week away as teams prepare to adjust their rosters in preparation for the playoffs.
The New York Knicks currently sit fourth in the East with a 27-18 record. They are 6.5 games behind the first-place Detroit Pistons, but only one game behind the second-place Boston Celtics.
After winning the NBA Cup in December, expectations rose for the Knicks with fans believing their team had enough to at least make it back to the Eastern Conference Finals, and potentially the NBA Finals.
Trade rumors have swirled in New York, with Guerschon Yabusele's name popping up.
Speaking to Jared Schwartz of the New York Post, Yabusele said about the rumors, “It’s definitely not what I was expecting to [do] coming into the season. I thought it would be a little more different.”
A Different Role
Yabusele signed with the Knicks in the offseason after spending five seasons playing abroad before returning to the NBA for the Philadelphia 76ers in 2024-25.
Yabusele often filled in for the injured Joel Embiid in Philadelphia, averaging a career high 11 points and 5.6 rebounds in 70 games and 27.1 minutes per game.
His role with the Knicks has been much reduced as he's playing just over nine minutes per game and averaging 2.8 points and 2.1 rebounds.
“Obviously, my role is different from last year or from the Olympics,” he said.
Knicks head coach Mike Brown said it can be tough to find minutes when the team is healthy. Yabusele sits behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson on the depth chart at the center position.
Dealing With Trade Rumors
Yabusele said that trade rumors are something that he can't control, he just has to be ready when his name is called to step on the court.
He played just three minutes in the Knicks' win against the Sixers on Saturday. He's been battling for playing time with second-year center Ariel Hukporti, who has drawn a handful of starts when the Knicks have been shorthanded at center.
Brown praised Hukporti for staying ready and being able to play crucial minutes for the team when called upon.
Potential Fits
According to Brett Siegel at Clutch Points, the San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans have been linked to a potential Yabusele trade.
The report notes that the Knicks are interested in Jeremy Sochan from the Spurs, and Jose Alvarado and Yves Missi from the Pelicans.
With the deadline quickly approaching, the Knicks have a decision to make on Yabusele.