The Knicks are looking to bolster their roster ahead of the trade deadline and are reportedly interested in moving a familiar face to Boston fans to achieve that goal. [James Edwards of the Athletic](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6908462/2025/12/22/knicks-trade-deadline-moves-nba/) reports the team is open to dealing Guerschon Yabusele ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline.
The Knicks signed Yabusele to a two-year deal this offseason worth $11.2 million after the former Celtics draft pick had a standout year in Philadelphia last season. The 30-year-old has been a big disappointment in his new home, though, averaging just 3.0 points and 2.2 rebounds in 9.6 minutes per game. He’s struggled mightily on the defensive end and with his 3-point shot (30.6%), making him an afterthought for new coach Mike Brown in the Knicks rotation.
The Celtics initially drafted Yabusele with the No. 16 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft and he played just two seasons in Boston before spending the next five years of his career overseas. A strong performance for France at the 2024 Olympics opened the door for a return to the NBA with the Sixers before he landed in New York.
Getting any kind of value in a deal for Yabusele won’t be easy for the Knicks since the power forward holds a $5.7 million player option for next season. In order to move him, New York will likely have to include draft compensation along with Yabusele or package him with a promising young player.“
Edwards notes the Knicks are in the market for another backup big man to upgrade Yabusele’s spot as well as a backup point guard behind star Jalen Brunson. New York currently only has 14 players on their roster and are hard capped at the first apron, which will prevent them from filling a 15th roster spot until April unless they free up some money in a trade.
The Celtics currently sit three games behind the No. 2 seeded Knicks in the Eastern Conference standings and are not expected to have interest in acquiring Yabusele.