Guerschon Yabusele #28 of the New York Knicks dribbles against Sion James #4 of the Charlotte Hornets during the first half at Madison Square Garden.
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Guerschon Yabusele #28 of the New York Knicks dribbles against Sion James #4 of the Charlotte Hornets during the first half at Madison Square Garden.
The New York Knicks have encountered resistance in their efforts to trade veteran forward Guerschon Yabusele, with one potential partner — the San Antonio Spurs — dialing back interest ahead of the Feb. 5 NBA trade deadline.
According to ClutchPoints NBA insider Brett Siegel, discussions between New York and San Antonio have slowed as the Spurs reassess their priorities and grow reluctant to part with young forward Jeremy Sochan, who had emerged as a possible target for the Knicks in preliminary talks.
Spurs Back Away From Yabusele-Wembanyama Reunion
In trade dialogue with San Antonio, the Knicks explored the possibility of acquiring Sochan, the No. 9 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, Siegel reported, citing league sources. The 6-foot-8 forward is in the final season of his rookie contract and is set to become a restricted free agent this summer.
“Sochan’s defensive versatility at either forward position and his slashing ability on offense would fit with New York’s style of play,” Siegel reported. “But there has been internal pushback in San Antonio to the idea of trading him.”
Despite Sochan falling out of the Spurs’ regular rotation at times, San Antonio continues to value his long-term upside and has not indicated a willingness to move him before the deadline. As a result, Yabusele — once viewed as a natural fit due to his connection with Victor Wembanyama — has slipped down the Spurs’ list of trade targets.
San Antonio does retain interest in adding frontcourt depth behind Wembanyama, but Siegel added that the team is now evaluating alternative options across the market, including the potential use of Kelly Olynyk’s $13.4 million expiring contract as a more flexible trade tool.
Olympic Connection No Longer Driving Talks
Yabusele and Wembanyama were teammates on France’s national team during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where France captured a silver medal and Yabusele’s strong play helped propel him back into NBA relevance.
That international connection initially fueled speculation that San Antonio might pursue a reunion, but Siegel reported that familiarity alone has not been enough to overcome the Spurs’ internal reluctance to part with Sochan or reconfigure their developing roster.
As talks cooled late last week, several league observers began to question whether San Antonio is nearing a separate deal that would take them out of the Yabusele market altogether.
Yabusele Acknowledges Uncertain Role With Knicks
Meanwhile, Yabusele appears increasingly aware that his future with the Knicks is tenuous.
Speaking to The New York Post’s Jared Schwartz before Saturday’s win over the Philadelphia 76ers, Yabusele acknowledged that his first season in New York has not unfolded as expected.
“It’s definitely not what I was expecting coming into the season,” Yabusele said. “I thought it would be a little more different.”
After serving as a rotation regular for the 76ers last season, the 30-year-old has seen his role diminish sharply with the Knicks. He is averaging 9.2 minutes per game across 38 appearances and went scoreless in three minutes against his former team on Saturday.
Social Media Posts Add Fuel to Trade Speculation
Yabusele’s openness to a potential move has been underscored by recent activity on social media. He retweeted a post from a French account that read: “A trade and a good situation for the captain [of the French national team], that’s all we’re asking.”
Though Yabusele has since removed the repost, it added to growing speculation around the league that a change of scenery could benefit both player and team.
“It’s nothing that I can control,” Yabusele said. “Just try to be smart, prepare, be as ready as I can. When my name is called, give everything on the court.”
Yabusele also briefly posted — then deleted — a cryptic message on X earlier this week that read: “Whatever happens tomorrow, I’m extremely blessed to be in the position that I am today. Minor setback for a major comeback — that’s my favorite.”
While some interpreted the post as a signal that a trade was imminent, no deal materialized.
Knicks Continue to Explore Trade Options
With the Spurs cooling on Yabusele, the Knicks are expected to continue canvassing the market as they seek roster flexibility and frontcourt balance while staying below the NBA’s second apron with discussions with the New Orleans Pelicans, among other teams.
Time remains, but New York’s options appear to be narrowing as the deadline approaches — and Yabusele’s future remains one of the most fluid situations on the roster.