New York Knicks big man Guerschon Yabusele, one of the club’s two prized free agent signings along with guard Jordan Clarkson, nearly agreed to a free agent deal with a recent title-winning NBA team instead of the Knicks.
Given that it last won a championship in 1973, New York certainly doesn’t qualify as a “recent” title-winner.
Yabusele told Arthur Puybertier of BeBasket that he was considering a free agent offer from the Denver Nuggets over the summer before ultimately inking a two-year, $11.3 million million deal to join the Knicks.
“It was super fast! As soon as I received (the offer from New York), I had to give an answer within two hours,” Yabusele said. “On the other side, we also had the one in Denver. You had to be quick not to miss the opportunity that New York represents, in a great living environment!”
Yabusele, 29, enjoyed a major bounceback season in 2024-25, his first NBA action in five years. The 6-foot-8 power forward/center had a pair of underwhelming seasons with the Boston Celtics from 2017-19 before heading overseas to continue his pro career.
Following an impressive EuroLeague showing with Real Madrid, Yabusele was snatched up by the Philadelphia 76ers on a veteran’s minimum contract. In 70 contests for the 24-58 Sixers, Yabusele averaged 11.0 points on .501/.380/.725 shooting splits, 5.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 0.8 steals a night. His play earned him a significant raise this summer.
Now, he’ll join a star-studded Knicks squad that appears set up to be one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference, along with the Cleveland Cavaliers and perhaps the Orlando Magic and Atlanta Hawks.
“When you look at New York, you can already see that the franchise has risen a lot in recent years,” Yabusele added. “They are conference finalists; the collective project is visible and very interesting for me. They are a very good team that plays very well together and is playing for the title! Having this goal was something important for me, I want to play for something.”
Yabusele also cited the Knicks’ storied franchise and beloved homecourt as incentives behind his decision.
“Apart from that, New York is a historic team,” Yabusele said. “Playing at Madison Square Garden is the dream of every NBA player, including mine! It’s a special place, I’m very happy to be there!”
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