Overview
- Yabusele called his situation "very difficult" in French media interviews, saying the limited and shifting role was not what he expected upon joining New York.
- He is averaging 3.0 points and 2.2 rebounds in 9.8 minutes across 24 games, shooting .400 from the field and .295 from three after a productive year in Philadelphia.
- The Knicks signed the French forward to a two-year, $11.25 million taxpayer mid-level deal in the summer before hiring Mike Brown, whose faster system has reduced Yabusele’s fit.
- Yabusele is now trade-eligible, and reporting suggests both sides could consider a move before Feb. 5 with his salary useful for matching; New York is viewed as seeking a backup point guard, with Jose Alvarado mentioned as a potential target if made available.
- Team success has tightened the rotation as the Knicks advance to Tuesday’s NBA Cup final against San Antonio, with Mike Brown expressing patience as he shuffles Yabusele between frontcourt spots, including backup center.