Is It Time for the Knicks to Give Up on 2025 Free Agent Acquisition?
On July 7, 2025, the New York Knicks signed Forward Guerschon Yabusele to a two-year, $11,275,000 contract, a move many fans quickly labeled a steal. Yabusele’s entrance to Madison Square Garden brought optimism to a fan base eager for depth and physicality in the frontcourt as the franchise continued to establish itself as a contender in the Eastern Conference. Yabusele began his NBA career with the Boston Celtics in 2017 but struggled to carve out a long-term role. After being waived by Boston in 2019, his professional journey took him overseas, where he rebuilt his game through stints in international leagues. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, that release marked his last NBA action until a resurgence on the international stage.
His breakout moment came during the 2024 Summer Olympics, when Yabusele made headlines with a thunderous baseline dunk over LeBron James while representing Team France. Following France’s impressive Olympic run, Yabusele left EuroLeague powerhouse Real Madrid and returned to the NBA by signing with the Philadelphia 76ers. During the 2024–25 season, the 76ers were plagued by injuries, which opened the door for Yabusele to take on an expanded role. Appearing in 70 games, he averaged 11 points, six rebounds, and two assists while shooting over 50% from the field and 39% from 3-point range. His physical presence and efficiency made him a valuable rotation piece.
When the Knicks signed veteran guard Jordan Clarkson just hours before finalizing Yabusele’s deal, fans welcomed the additions, especially after New York leaned heavily on its starters during the 2025 NBA Playoffs. However, Yabusele’s production has dipped during the 2025–26 season. Through the early portion of the campaign, he is averaging three points and two rebounds per game while posting significantly lower shooting percentages. Initially, Yabusele was a consistent part of first-year Head Coach Mike Brown’s rotation, but his minutes have steadily declined as the season progressed. He has recorded only one double-digit scoring performance and recently missed time due to illness, including New York’s most recent game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
While the Knicks have dealt with injuries to second-unit players such as Miles McBride and Landry Shamet, Yabusele has been unable to solidify his role when opportunities have arisen. Younger players, including Tyler Kolek, Ariel Hukporti, and Mohamed Diawara, each originally slotted behind Yabusele on the depth chart, have surpassed him in the rotation. With the Knicks viewed as a contender entering the heart of the season and the NBA Trade Deadline approaching on February 5, the organization may look to move on from the 30-year-old forward. Clearing a roster spot could allow New York to pursue a veteran with size and playoff experience. Playing in the New York market often accelerates roster decisions, and Yabusele’s time with the Knicks may be nearing its conclusion sooner than expected.
