The Knicks are open to trading Guerschon Yabusele before the February 5 deadline, according to James L. Edwards III of The Athletic.
The 30-year-old big man was the team’s top free agency addition over the summer, but he hasn’t been effective in the first two months of the season, averaging 3.0 points and 2.2 rebounds in 9.6 minutes per night while shooting 39.4% from the field and 30.6% from three-point range. His numbers across the board are down sharply from what he did in Philadelphia last season as he returned to the NBA after five years in Europe.
Yabusele is making $5.5MM this season and holds a $5.7MM player option for 2026/27, and multiple league executives tell Edwards that New York will likely have to give up other assets to get another team to take that contract.
The Knicks have been reaching out to rival teams in their search for another ballhandler and frontcourt player, Edwards hears from league sources. They don’t have a veteran lead guard in place who can play dependable minutes when Jalen Brunson rests. Edwards notes that Tyler Kolek has shown promise, especially during the past week, but there’s no guarantee he’s ready to fill that role.
New York is also looking for another big man, as the options on the current roster are limited behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson. Robinson is having another outstanding rebounding season, pulling down 8.6 boards per game in 18.2 minutes per night, but Edwards states that he’s still on a load management program in hopes of keeping him healthy for the playoffs. Robinson has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, and the Knicks aren’t in position to withstand a long-term absence.
The Knicks face financial limitations as they eye the trade market because of their proximity to the hard cap. They’ve been carrying 14 players on standard contracts all season and can’t fill their roster opening until early April.
With those restrictions in mind, Edwards identifies a few potential trade candidates:
- Ayo Dosunmu — The Bulls guard would provide ballhandling and defense, but his $7.5MM salary means New York would have to send back Landry Shamet ($2.3MM), who was productive before injuring his shoulder, or possibly Pacome Dadiet ($2.9MM) or Kolek ($2.2MM) along with Yabusele or Miles McBride ($4.3MM). Edwards is skeptical about Chicago’s willingness to take Yabusele’s contract, so McBride would likely have to be part of the deal.
- Jose Alvarado — Edwards suggests that the Pelicans guard may be more obtainable than Dosunmu, and his contract ($4.5MM with a $4.5MM player option for next season) would be easier to fit onto the roster. He also points out that the Knicks have multiple second-round picks that could be used to entice New Orleans to part with Alvarado.
- Marvin Bagley III — His defense remains shaky, but he has been scoring and rebounding for the Wizards and his $2.2MM salary makes him an inexpensive option as a third center. Edwards believes he might be obtainable for a second-round pick.
D’Angelo Russell + Exum for Yabusele + Dadiet. No picks changing hands. Russell gives NY a guard for the second unit. Yabusele gives the Mavs frontcourt depth with Lively out. Dadiet and Exum make the salary math work. Exum is out for the season on an expiring minimum deal.
We know who Russell is. Want no part of him.
No thank you …. Dadiet alone is worth more.
The Knicks wouldn’t have any interest in D’Angelo Russell. That’s not the kind of second unit guard they’re looking for.
Why would the Bulls want him? LOL Rather have Ayo. Tht’s a hoot of a trade for the Knicks.
Writers lol ……
“according to James L. Edwards III of The Athletic.”
I understand they have to sell stories. And pimp for clicks. Yet there are some real stories fans need answers to. For instance why isn’t McBride backing up Brunson. Thats what he was drafted for as a PG. I’m not sure Brown knows this. Or why Knicks management hasn’t pushed for it since training camp. He should be our first choice. Kolek is looking better. You don’t want to go for a title run with an unproven player.
The Bulls would never give up Ayo for Yabusele and whatever. Just ridiculous. Nobody is helping the Knicks out and taking Yabusele. Unless it’s for another failed signing.
Amazing to me that experts talk about Thibs not playing young players, picks. Yet he played and developed Quickley, Mitch, Grimes, McBride, Sims, Hukporti all lower picks. Even IHart …..
The issue now is you have two players you were expecting to be part of rotation. Both not playing in Shamet, Yabusele. Mitch is Knicks biggest trade chip. They better not mess that up. Knicks want another ball handler. Then they should be looking at Westbrook. You know he wants a ring. I give up McBride or Kolek for him. Kings want young talent. Another guy I would be looking at is Isaac. Magic don’t need him or his contract. I also like a Mitch to Pelicans move. That’s his hometown. Would love to get Looney and Bey somehow. I have been saying since last year. Towns needs a defensive 4 next to him with size. Looney or Isaac can start. And it strengthens the bench with Hart. Hart can still play more mins. But now we have real depth. Mitch is the key. I trust Hukporti can backup Towns.
Bagley is interesting, though given Kolek’s promise and recent play, I don’t want to move him. I’ve been a fan of his since he was at Marquette, and I was thrilled when the Knicks drafted him. At the same time, though, I like Hukporti, even tho his offensive far is very limited. He’s a work in progress.