Guerschon Yabusele trade talks, Knicks
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Guerschon Yabusele of the New York Knicks in action against the Brooklyn Nets.
With the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline approaching, the New York Knicks have intensified efforts to move veteran forward-center Guerschon Yabusele, engaging multiple teams as they seek roster flexibility under the league’s restrictive second-apron rules.
According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, New York has held extensive trade discussions with at least two Western Conference franchises — the San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans — as part of a broader push to reshape the back end of its roster.
Navigating Second-Apron Constraints in Trade Talks
League sources told Siegel that the Knicks’ position near the second apron has shaped every aspect of their negotiations.
Because New York is hard-capped, it cannot take back more salary than it sends out in any trade. As a result, the Knicks have explored packaging Yabusele with a minimum-salary player, specifically second-year guard Pacôme Dadiet, to make deals workable financially.
That limitation has narrowed the field but has not slowed conversations.
The Knicks have been eyeing underutilized Jeremy Sochan from the Spurs in a potential Yabusele deal.
Pelicans Remain Active Trade Partner for Knicks
Jose Alvarado
GettyJose Alvarado is coveted by the New York Knicks in trade talks.
New Orleans, meanwhile, continues to be a more active point of engagement.
The Knicks have been in discussions with the Pelicans since December regarding Jose Alvarado, and New Orleans has shown openness to moving the defensive-minded guard. Several other teams — including the Rockets, Pistons, and Timberwolves — have also checked in.
Beyond Alvarado, New York’s interest extends to young center Yves Missi, according to multiple reports.
Speaking on SNY’s The Putback, HoopsHype’s NBA insider Michael Scotto confirmed that Knicks officials have made exploratory calls on both players.
“You don’t make calls on these guys unless there’s some level of interest,” Scotto said, adding that Missi has drawn attention from several teams seeking frontcourt depth.
Yabusele Acknowledges Disappointment With Knicks Role
For Yabusele, the trade chatter underscores a season that has not unfolded as expected.
After playing a steady rotation role in Philadelphia last season, the 30-year-old has averaged just 9.2 minutes per game across 38 appearances for New York. He played three scoreless minutes in Saturday’s win at Philadelphia, his former team.
“It’s definitely not what I was expecting coming into the season,” Yabusele said, per New York Post’s Jared Schwartz. “I thought it would be a little more different.”
While publicly professional, Yabusele has acknowledged the uncertainty that comes with being a frequent name in trade rumors.
“It’s nothing that I can control,” he said. “Just try to be ready when my name is called.”
Social Media Posts Fuel Speculation
Speculation intensified earlier this week when Yabusele briefly posted — and later deleted — a message on X that read:
“Whatever happens tomorrow, I’m extremely blessed to be in the position that I am today. Minor setback for a major comeback.”
The message prompted immediate trade buzz, though no deal materialized. Those close to the situation suggested the post was more reflective than predictive.
Financial Flexibility Remains the Knicks’ Priority
From the Knicks’ perspective, the motivation is clear.
ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks recently noted that New York sits just $148,000 below the second apron, meaning a Yabusele trade could unlock critical flexibility. Moving his contract would allow the Knicks to sign two additional players while remaining compliant with the new CBA’s harsh penalties.
With the deadline looming, league executives expect New York to remain active — and Yabusele to remain central — as the Knicks search for marginal upgrades without compromising their long-term financial plan.