Dubai Basketball is “very interested” in signing Guerschon Yabusele if he decides to resume playing overseas, according to Oscar Herreros (Twitter link; hat tip to Sportando).
The French forward is expected to have plenty of EuroLeague interest this summer after spending the past two seasons in the NBA. He declined his 2026/27 player option in February to help facilitate a trade from the Knicks to the Bulls. He said last month that he’s hoping to extend his NBA career, but he might have better options in Europe.
Yabusele spent two unproductive years in Boston after being selected with the 16th pick in the 2016 draft, but he blossomed into a star in Europe and had his best seasons with Real Madrid. He caught the attention of NBA scouts and executives with an outstanding showing for France in the 2024 Olympics and chose Philadelphia out of several NBA offers.
Yabusele showed promise during his return to the league with the Sixers in 2024/25 and signed a multiyear deal with the Knicks last summer. However, he couldn’t duplicate that performance in New York and wound up out of the rotation, averaging just 8.9 minutes in 41 games. He got a bit of a revival with a trade to Chicago at the deadline and finished the season strong, starting 19 of the 26 games he played for the Bulls and averaging 10.0 points and 5.7 rebounds in 24.7 minutes per night while shooting 38.3% from three-point range.
At age 30, Yabusele faces an uncertain NBA future, especially with the changes in Chicago’s front office. Although he plans to explore his NBA opportunities, a return to Europe may wind up being more profitable.
Dubai made its EuroLeague debut last season with a roster that featured several ex-NBA players, and the franchise continues to be aggressive in its pursuit of high-level talent. Former NBA big man Mamadi Diakite is also rumored to be considering a deal with Dubai.
With 65 million in Cap Space and 4 draft picks the Bulls should be able to improve without him. He’s kind of unique but the Anti Graham player from his own description of the kind of players he’s looking for. Long, Fast and able to defend multiple positions is what he says he’s looking for and this guy is none of that.
Yabusele is fast for his size and can defend multiple positions. He is a bulky guy. Bryson Graham does want to completely change the roster so it is unlikely Yabusele stays in Chicago.
Yeah you can play him against some 4’s and 5’s. Doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. He’s a lousy defensive player. You can put a cherry bomb in your can if you’re constipated but it’s not a good idea.
NBA return is probably done unless he’s willing to play on Vet Min but I think he’d make more overall overseas.
Isn’t Dubai about to…not be a place anymore?
Go overseas!
The Knicks took advantage of this guy
Why would anyone want to live in a ruthless corrupt dictatorship like Dubai/UAE when you can play in the Euroleague?