It has been a difficult season for Guerschon Yabusele in his first year with the New York Knicks. Yabusele was asked to help the franchise after penning a two-year, $11.275 million contract last season. However, he has failed to break into Mike Brown's rotation and is set to get traded before the deadline.
Guerschon Yabusele reflects on tough season with the New York Knicks
Speaking to the New York Post before Saturday's game against the Philadelphia 76ers, Yabusele has opened up about his difficult first season in the Big Apple. He also commented on the trade speculations around him ahead of the deadline on February 5.
"It's definitely not what I was expecting to (do) coming into the season," Yabusele said. "I thought it would be a little more different. ... It's nothing that I can control. Just try to be smart, preparing, (be) as ready as I can. To go out there when my name is called and to give everything on the court."
In 38 games this season, Guerschon Yabusele is managing 2.8 points and 2.1 rebounds in just 9.8 minutes. Yabusele has failed to secure himself under Mike Brown, who took over New York's coaching job this past summer.
Brown explained to the New York Post why Yabusele has not earned more minutes after putting 11.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game for the Philadelphia 76ers last season.
"When we’re healthy, it's a little tough," Brown said. "Because how it is right now, our top eight guys are our starters, Mitch (Robinson), Landry (Shamet) and Deuce (McBride). And if you take those eight guys, I have a threshold of maximum minutes that I like to try to play guys in the regular season."
New York Knicks to trade Guerschon Yabusele
Because of his poor performances this season, the Knicks are reportedly aiming to trade him ahead of the February 5 deadline. He has been linked to the San Antonio Spurs.
Knicks' insider drops latest update on Guerschon Yabusele trade
As per SNY' Ian Begley, The San Antonio Spurs are the likely contender to acquire Guerschon Yabusele from the New York Knicks. Yabusele is a national teammate of Victor Wembanyama , plus he is going to have to have a better role in San Antonio.
"In Guerschon Yabusele, I think when this hits the buzzer on deadline day, he'll be with another team," Begley said. "I think they'll figure out where to send him. San Antonio, keep an eye there because Victor Wembanyama, they played together on the French national team."
Before his NBA comeback to the Philadelphia 76ers last season, Yabusele played two seasons with the Boston Celtics from 2017 to 2019.