The Frenchman is coming off a comeback season with the Sixers.
It was unlikely for a New York Knicks team that is lacking financial flexibility, coming off of an Eastern Conference Finals appearance, and without a head coach, to make any big splashes during the offseason. Regardless, fans hoped that the team would do something to make the summer interesting. In the opening hours of free agency yesterday, that was not the case. Impatient fans grew unreasonably impatient and frustrated at the lack of news.
That feeling has changed massively over the last 12 hours as the Knicks have finally started to move. Late last night, it was reported that Jordan Clarkson intends to sign with New York once he clears waivers on Wednesday. And approaching Noon today, it was reported by Shams Charania of ESPN that free agent center Guerschon Yabusele has agreed to a two-year, $12 million contract with the Knicks, the second season coming as player 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. pic.twitter.com/gmYODgPkau
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025
According to SNY’s Ian Begley, Yabusele’s decision came down to the Nuggets and Knicks, but the former Sixer (and Celtic) chose New York.
The big man was drafted in 2017 by Boston, but found himself out of the league between 2019 and 2024. After an incredibly strong showing for France at the Olympics, he was signed by the Sixers, and he had a very solid season.
Yabusele shot 40% on ATB 3s on high volume and 69% in the restricted area last season for PHI
The Knicks overall shot 36% on ATB 3s on extremely low volume and just 61% in the restricted area.
Yabusele is also represented by Olivier Mazet, same agent as Diawara and Ntilikina ️ pic.twitter.com/cdtO9M80So
— ShwinnyPooh, Hukporti island resident (@shwinnypooh) June 27, 2025
In 70 games, Yabusele averaged 11 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 2.1 APG, and 0.8 SPG, while shooting 50.1% from the field, and 38% from three. Yabusele has some flaws on defense, and he does still only have one season as a good three-point shooter. But, as noted above, Yabusele shot 40% on three-pointer above the break, and shot 69% in the restricted area– two areas where the Knicks struggled mightily from last season. If he can come close to replicating what he did last season, his unique ability to play alongside Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson makes him a great addition for a Knicks team that badly needed some cheap bench scoring and paint presence.
As things stand now, New York has a rotation that is, at least, nine-man deep with Jalen Brunson, Deuce McBride, Mikal Bridges, Jordan Clarkson, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, Yabusele, Towns, and Robinson. That is without including Ariel Hukporti, Tyler Kolek, Pacome Dadiet, and Kevin McCullar Jr., who could get some more minutes this season as well, depending on how the new Knicks coach decides to use the pieces he’ll have at his disposal in New York.
In less than 24 hours, Leon Rose and the Knicks’ front office have addressed their need for more shooting, dribbling, and shot creation with the addition of Clarkson and Yabusele. There are still some weaknesses on the roster, but they’ve pivoted rather well given their lack of financial flexibility, while still having the option of filling out their roster with some minimum contracts during the remainder of the offseason.
Welcome to New York, Guerschon!