The NBA offseason has delivered major shakeups through the draft and free agency, but smaller moves are also reshaping team rosters. Former Philadelphia 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele’s departure to the New York Knicks exemplifies how seemingly minor transactions can impact both franchises.
Yabusele completed a career year with the 76ers, more than five years after his disappointing stint with the Boston Celtics from 2017-19. Between his NBA appearances, Yabusele played professionally in China, France and Spain before returning to Philadelphia last season.
Many expected Yabusele to remain a key role player for a 76ers team seeking consistency. However, Philadelphia’s front office had different plans, leading Yabusele to reveal the circumstances behind his free agency departure.
76ers Made Minimal Effort to Retain Guerschon Yabusele After Career Season
The Celtics selected Yabusele with the No. 16 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. Despite being considered one of the top overseas prospects, he didn’t join the Celtics until 2017.
His time in Boston proved disappointing, ultimately leading to his release and prompting his overseas career before Philadelphia offered him a second chance.
With the 76ers, Yabusele experienced a dramatic increase in playing time compared to his Celtics tenure, averaging 27.1 minutes per game.
He capitalized on Joel Embiid’s injury absence to establish himself as a versatile scorer and playmaker. Yabusele posted 11 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 50.1% from the field and an impressive 38% from three-point range.
While Embiid is expected to return to Philadelphia’s lineup next season after injuries and trade speculation dominated his previous campaign, many viewed Yabusele as an ideal backup for the frequently injured center.
However, in a recent interview with Skweek TV, Yabusele revealed Philadelphia’s lack of commitment to retaining him following his breakout season.
Guerschon Yabusele says the Sixers lowballed him during free agency
“They almost didn’t really make an offer. They did, but it was really really low… I felt like ‘Oh my god, it seems like you don’t really want me to stay.’”
(via @skweektv)pic.twitter.com/i4pjhBF4qy— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 4, 2025
“I didn’t really have any issues over there, like I want to leave,” Yabusele said. “I was like, okay, if they want to resign me and then they give me something good, I will come back. For sure. But they almost didn’t really make, like, an offer. They did, but it was really, really low to be really transparent.”
Yabusele emphasized that Philadelphia’s minimal offer made him feel unwanted, though he harbors no resentment toward the organization. “I’m always thankful for them. They gave me my second chance…,” he said. “I will always be thankful to be part of their franchise.”
Knicks Land Versatile Forward on Team-Friendly Contract
Yabusele’s professional response demonstrates his maturity, and the Knicks likely secured excellent value when they signed him to a two-year, $12 million deal this offseason. His departure from Philadelphia represents a potential steal for New York at their Eastern Conference rival’s expense.
The forward brings valuable versatility to a Knicks roster that needs reliable scoring both in the paint and from beyond the arc. His ability to complement stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns adds another dimension to New York’s offensive attack.
Yabusele’s seamless integration into the Knicks’ rotation provides crucial depth where the team desperately needed reinforcement. His two-way impact could prove instrumental in New York’s pursuit of bringing the Larry O’Brien trophy to Madison Square Garden for the first time since 1973.
The signing also highlights how teams can capitalize on other franchises’ evaluation mistakes. Philadelphia’s reluctance to invest in Yabusele after his career year may prove costly, especially if he continues his upward trajectory in New York’s system.
