Knicks Look to Trade Struggling Forward Yabusele

New York exploring deals with Mavericks, Pelicans, and Trail Blazers

Jan. 28, 2026 at 10:07am

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The New York Knicks are actively shopping forward Guerschon Yabusele ahead of the February 5th trade deadline. Yabusele, who signed a two-year, $12 million deal with the Knicks last offseason, has struggled mightily this season, averaging just 2.8 points and 2.1 rebounds while shooting poorly from the field and three-point range. With the Knicks hard-capped and needing roster flexibility, they are looking to move Yabusele, likely having to include draft picks to facilitate a deal.

Why it matters

Yabusele's disappointing performance this season has significantly diminished his trade value, forcing the Knicks to get creative in finding a new home for the French forward. The Knicks are in a difficult financial situation and need to free up roster spots and cap space, making Yabusele's contract a burden they are eager to shed.

The details

The Knicks are in discussions with several teams about a potential Yabusele trade, including the Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans, and Portland Trail Blazers. A deal with the Mavericks could involve Naji Marshall, while the Pelicans have expressed interest in Yabusele as well as their own players like Jose Alvarado and Yves Missi. The Trail Blazers' Jrue Holiday is also a target for the Knicks, though a trade involving Yabusele would be more complicated.

  • Yabusele signed a two-year, $12 million deal with the Knicks last offseason.
  • This season, Yabusele is averaging just 2.8 points and 2.1 rebounds while shooting 38.8% from the field and 30.3% from three-point range.
  • The NBA trade deadline is on February 5, 2026.

The players

Guerschon Yabusele

A French forward who signed a two-year, $12 million deal with the Knicks last offseason but has struggled mightily this season, averaging just 2.8 points and 2.1 rebounds.

Naji Marshall

A versatile wing player for the Dallas Mavericks who is averaging 14.7 points on an affordable $9 million salary.

Jose Alvarado

A guard for the New Orleans Pelicans who is averaging 7.9 points and 3.2 assists on a team-friendly $4.5 million salary.

Yves Missi

A second-year center for the New Orleans Pelicans who has seen his minutes drop after the team drafted Derik Queen.

Jrue Holiday

A veteran guard for the Portland Trail Blazers who is making $32.4 million this season with two more years remaining on his contract.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The Knicks are running out of time before the February 5th trade deadline to find a new home for Yabusele, and will likely need to include draft picks in any potential deal to facilitate a trade.

The takeaway

Yabusele's struggles this season have significantly diminished his trade value, forcing the Knicks to get creative in finding a new home for the French forward as they look to free up roster spots and cap space. The Knicks' ability to extract value from Yabusele will be a key test of their front office's trade negotiation skills.