The Spurs are expected to be in the mix to sign free agent forward Guerschon Yabusele, according to both [Hoopshype’s Mike Scotto](https://hoopshype.com/lists/nba-intel-kevin-durant-trade-rockets-suns-heat-timberwolves-raptors-thunder-pacers-kings/) and [The Stein Line’s Marc Stein.](https://x.com/TheSteinLine/status/1939082308142932032)
Yabusele, who was originally drafted by the Celtics in 2017 and after two quiet NBA years played abroad, joined the 76ers last season after an impressive performance in the Olympics alongside Victor Wembanyama on Team France. The 6’8” forward exceeded expectations in his time in Philadelphia, being one of the franchise’s only bright spots last season. He averaged 11 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 38 percent from beyond the arc in 27 minutes a game. He was also effective on defense, played with energy every game, and even held down the fort as starting center for his injury-riddled squad. Yabusele vastly outplayed his minimum deal and is deserving of a significant raise.
The Spurs seem like a natural landing spot for the burly forward if he doesn’t stay in Philadelphia. The Wembanyama connection alone is enough to assume he’d be interested in landing in San Antonio, but the fit is also there. The Silver and Black will have the non-taxpayer mid-level exception at their disposal, so they can pay him up to $14 million. Yabusele’s combination of size and shooting ability would be a welcome addition to a roster that has marksmen who lack physicality and athletes who can’t shoot. He’s not someone who should spend all of his time at center, as he doesn’t offer rim protection, but he can slide up a spot and battle on the boards. His addition alone wouldn’t solve the team’s big man depth issues, but it would make the roster more well-rounded.
Yabusele, 29, is the type of player that every team would love to have, so there will be competition for his services. The 76ers will surely try to retain him, but it might be hard for them to do so without shedding salary, as they also have Quentin Grimes to think about. Even if the veteran forward is on the move, he’ll get offers from contenders and up-and-coming teams alike. The Wembanyama connection could help seal the deal for San Antonio, but how much the Spurs are willing to spend and what role they can offer him on a somewhat crowded forward rotation will likely be bigger factors. On paper, he could start or come off the bench, and his game fits well with essentially every other player on the roster.
The Spurs might want to prioritize getting a more traditional big man to back up Wembanyama, but adding Yabusele is definitely intriguing.
Free agency starts on Monday, June 30, at 5 p.m. CST.