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Sport5 reports that Hapoel Tel Aviv are in negotiations with Guerschon Yabusele over a potential deal. The forward is described as a high-profile target, with multiple European clubs keeping close tabs on his case. The report frames it as a “big move” Hapoel want to complete in the next few days. It also notes Panathinaikos AKTOR among the teams linked to the former Real Madrid Baloncesto player.
Matteo Andreani: Hapoel Tel Aviv - Guerschon Yabusele. If the player decides to comeback to EuroLeague, Hapoel is ready to make a big offer. Hapoel offer to Yabusele is 2,5m $ until the end of the seasoN and 5 m $ for next year I'm told.
The Knicks have long been trying to find a new home for Guerschon Yabusele, their top free-agent signing, before the deadline, per multiple league sources. I’ve reported on this since last year, and nothing has changed. Barring a big trade of sorts that has many moving pieces, rival teams expect New York to have to attach draft assets to get off Yabusele in any simpler transaction. Yabusele, who has struggled this season, has a $5.7 player option next year that, in addition to his play, makes him a negative asset.
Most likely to be traded: Guerschon Yabusele, Pacome Dadiet, Jordan Clarkson and Tyler Kolek. New York has been on the hunt for a proven ballhandler for its second unit and big-man insurance. To get either one of those without breaking up its core group, these are the names the Knicks would most likely have to part with. Dadiet, a recent first-round pick, doesn’t play and the Knicks, who are close to the second apron, can’t take in more money than they send out, so they might have to add another salary to Yabusele depending on who they trade for. The same goes for Kolek, except he’s shown some flashes here and there in Year 2. Clarkson is on a veteran minimum after getting bought out by the Jazz last offseason. He signed with the Knicks, expecting to play. However, he’s been out of the rotation. It feels more likely that Clarkson gets bought out than traded if he and New York part ways, but his salary could be useful in a small deal.
Therefore, a return to Europe could make sense for the power forward. "I feel like it's a good question," Yabusele admitted in a conversation with BasketNews. "I definitely don't know what tomorrow is going to be like or anything like that, but I never close my door on anything."
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"Obviously, it was hard to come back to the NBA [but once I was here], my mind definitely wanted to stay there, but we'll see when the opportunity presents itself. It's definitely going to be a conversation to have and see what the options are in Europe. We'll see how it goes. I will never say never to anything," Yabusele added.
Yabusele has a special affection for the Spanish club, as he made a name for himself in Madrid, helping the club win the EuroLeague in 2023. "Madrid is going to be, to be honest, I'm going to tell you, one of the first teams that we're going to have the conversation first to try to see how it's going to be," Yabusele revealed. "I'm not closing my door on anything else, but you know, my house is in Madrid." "I consider myself like somebody who lives there all the time and goes back in the summer. That would be special to be back there," the Knicks forward said.
According to sources, the Knicks are talking with multiple teams ahead of the deadline trying to unload Guerschon Yabusele. He was their big summer signing to fortify the bench but his Knicks career never got off the ground. He’s been a fringe part of the rotation recently, failing to log more than nine minutes in seven of the last eight games. Part of the problem with trying to trade Yabusele is his player option for next season which is approaching $6 million.
Wembanyama was asked about living in a country where there could be repercussions for questioning the actions of federal agents. "For sure, it's terrible," he said. "I know I'm a foreigner. I live in this country. I am concerned, for sure." Asked about Yabusele's comments, Wembanyama said, "I'm always proud of people speaking their mind no matter the subject. And I think it definitely takes some balls, but it might have some pricing right now. I mean, each and every one of us has to decide the price we're willing to pay."
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John Gambadoro: I won’t rule this out as I believe this is something that has been talked about - probably won’t happen but I can not shoot it down. Evan Sidery: The Knicks and Suns have discussed a swap of Guerschon Yabusele for Nick Richards. Phoenix would also send out Nigel Hayes-Davis’ veteran minimum salary to a facilitating team in order to duck the luxury tax altogether.
Sources with knowledge of New York's thinking have insisted it is focused on smaller deals built around Guerschon Yabusele's $5.5 million salary and shedding that contract before Yabusele's $6 million player option for next season kicks in.
Guerschon Yabusele: I can't stop thinking about the tragic events unfolding in Minnesota, and even though I'm French, I can't remain silent. What's happening is beyond comprehension. We're talking about murders here, these are serious matters. The situation must change, the government must stop operating in this way. I stand with Minnesota 🙏🏾🖤
In his appearance on SportsNite, Ian Begley stated that in the ongoing Yabusele trade front, the San Antonio Spurs are a team to watch that might pursue the embattled big man. "In Guerschon Yabusele, I think when this hits the buzzer on deadline day, he'll be with another team. I think they'll figure out where to send him," the longtime Knicks insider and reporter stated. "San Antonio, keep an eye there because Victor Wembanyama, they played together on the French national team."
