The New York Knicks are entering the trade deadline with seemingly small chances of winning the Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes. With under two days left to trade, the chances of the Knicks making a smaller move are increasing, with the veteran forward Guerschon Yabusele at the forefront of Knicks-based rumors.
The French forward signed a two-year, $11.7 million contract back in July. After spending one season with the Philadelphia 76ers, Yabusele's breakout year set him up for a potentially important role in New York. Instead, rumors are flying about where Yabusele could end up next-and there seems to be a possibility that playing outside of the NBA again is an option.
Yabusele attacked those discussions head-on Tuesday night.
"I ain't closing no door on nothing," Yabusele told reporters. "I don't know what's going to happen. I don't know what tomorrow's going to be. So right now, I can tell you nothing has been discussed or signed or anything like that. I'm a Knicks player at the end of the day."
Yabusele's comments came after the veteran picked up a DNP on the road against the Washington Wizards. It was his second-straight absence after he averaged 5.6 minutes per game in nine-straight outings.
A string of absences leading up to the deadline typically looks like a strategic move from teams, who are looking to keep a player healthy to ensure they can be dealt without hesitation. It's no secret the Knicks are willing to move on from Yabusele for the right deal. It's also no secret that non-NBA teams are attempting to pluck him from the league.
"There's been teams calling," Yabusele said. "I feel like the report was just them saying they want me, and then everybody thought that I signed something already. No, nothing like that. But there are some teams out there that we heard are getting ready to sign me if I go back that way. We'll see what happens."
Yabusele's pro career started in 2013 in France. In 2016, he had a stint with the Shanghai Sharks before getting drafted to the Boston Celtics 16th overall in 2016. Yabusele's run with the Celtics would last two seasons. He was waived in 2019.
The forward's career took a few different turns after his first stint in the NBA. He played in China, France, and Spain. Real Madrid was the final team to employ Yabusele before the Sixers helped him execute a buyout. One standout season in Philadelphia helped him earn a respectable offer in New York. Unfortunately, Yabusele's Knicks tenure isn't going as planned.
Soon, the 30-year-old will get clarity on his future. For the time being, he's content with figuring out his situation in New York.
Newsweek