After swinging for the fences last offseason, the New York Knicks have made some surprisingly nice additions this summer. For the second straight day, the Knicks improved their depth with the addition of Guerschon Yabusele on Tuesday. What does the 6-10 French big bring to the Knicks?
According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Yabusele has agreed to a two-year, $12 million deal with the Knicks. Charania added that the second year is a player’s option.
“Free agent center Guerschon Yabusele has agreed to a two-year, $12 million contract with the New York Knicks, plus a player option, sources tell ESPN. The Knicks negotiated the new deal with agents Olivier Mazet and Richie Felder for the big man on Tuesday.”
New York Knicks Surprisingly Land French Big Man
Yabusele was fantastic for the Philadelphia 76ers in his return to the NBA after a five-year absence. The 29-year-old, who moved into the starting lineup when the 76ers’ frontcourt suffered a rash of injuries. He averaged 11.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 27.1 minutes over 70 appearances.
While the Sixers said that they wanted to keep Yabusele this offseason, it seemed unlikely due to the interest that he was expected to garner. Yabusele, who was linked to several teams, was also expected to get a raise and be out of Philadelphia’s price range.
New York reportedly used their taxpayer exception to sign Yabusele. Yabusele projects to make $5.7 million this coming season, with a slight increase to $6.2 million next year. Jake Fischer of The Stein Line reported that Denver was New York’s biggest competition, with Milwaukee and San Antonio also showing interest.
What Does Yabusele Bring To The Knicks
Yabusele will step in and fill a massive void in New York’s frontcourt. While essentially replacing Precious Achiuwa on the roster, Yabusele figures to have a much bigger role than his predecessor.
Unlike Achiuwa, Yabusele will give the Knicks a much-needed low-post scorer. But the former first-round pick can also stretch the floor, as nearly all of his shot attempts came within 10 feet of the basket or from beyond the arc last season.
While not overly athletic, Yabusele is physical and strong in the post, finishing well at the rim. Yabusele also shot the ball well from deep, connecting on two treys at a 38% clip for the season. He is also a quality passer, though he is not the rebounder or defender that Achiuwa is.
It will be interesting to see what Yabusele’s role will be. He figures to fit nicely whether coming off the bench or starting alongside Karl Anthony-Towns. Figuring out the Knicks’ starting lineup will be one of their new coach’s primary tasks, whoever that may be.
What is Next For The Knicks
Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby will join Towns in the Knicks’ starting lineup. The fifth starter figures to be either Josh Hart or Yabusele. If Yabusele starts, Bridges figures to move to the backcourt and Anunoby to the three. Otherwise, Hart will play the two while Bridges joins Anuoby and Towns in the frontcourt.
Either way, Yabusele, Jordan Clarkson, Mitchell Robinson, Miles McBride, and Hart will be a major part of the Knicks’ rotation. Youngsters Pacome Dadiet, Ariel Hukporti, and Tyler Kolek are also on the roster.
With the addition of Yabusele and Clarkson now in the fold, New York has 12 players under contract with a projected salary cap hit of $205.6 million. Thus, the Knicks will likely be a second apron team for the 2025-2026 season unless they unload Robinson.
The Knicks need to add at least two more players, likely veterans willing to accept the league minimum. There is a chance that the Knicks trade Robinson, though don’t expect that to happen under the season gets underway.
New York could also have three two-way spots available. Kevin McCullar Jr. and Anton Watson were on two-way contracts last season, but both are now restricted free agents.
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