Guerschon Yabusele Nearly Signed With Nuggets Over Knicks In Free Agency
Guerschon Yabusele nearly ended up signing with the Denver Nuggets rather than New York Knicks last offseason. Yabusele would have filled the backup center role behind Nikola Jokic that ultimately went to Jonas Valanciunas via a trade with the Sacramento Kings. Instead, Yabusele chose the Knicks where he was a bad fit under Mike Brown.
Sources confirm Yabusele told New York ahead of the trade deadline that he was ready to waive his $5.7 million player option for next season in exchange for guaranteed playing time. That option ultimately complicated trade discussions, preventing the Knicks from sending Yabusele directly to the New Orleans Pelicans for target Jose Alvarado.
New York was instead forced to first move Yabusele to the Chicago Bulls for Dalen Terry, who was then packaged with two second-round picks to the Pelicans to complete the Alvarado acquisition.
In seven games with Chicago, he is averaging 10.6 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 25.4 minutes. With Nikola Vucevic gone, Chicago's frontcourt depth behind Jalen Smith and Nick Richards is limited, providing Yabusele a clear opportunity for consistent minutes.
If Yabusele cannot secure a new contract with the Bulls after this season, sources indicate he would have a healthy market available, including a potential return to the EuroLeague.
