Sixers face dilemma: should they trade for struggling Yabusele or trust emerging young stars
The Philadelphia 76ers are at a crossroads, weighing a potential trade for Guerschon Yabusele against the rising talent of their young players. The team’s struggles last season were well-documented, but Yabusele emerged as a bright spot, showcasing his skills after years overseas.
Yabusele’s Journey Back to the NBA
After spending five seasons in international leagues, Yabusele returned to the NBA with a splash. His standout performance for Team France during the 2024 Paris Olympics caught the attention of the Sixers, who signed him to a one-year, veteran-minimum contract in late August. Yabusele repaid their faith by averaging a career-high 11.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 27.1 minutes per game.
This impressive showing led him to a two-year, $11.3 million deal with the New York Knicks this offseason. However, the transition to New York has been anything but smooth. Currently, Yabusele is struggling, averaging just 3.0 points and 2.2 rebounds in 9.6 minutes per game. Despite this downturn, his role helped the Knicks secure an NBA Cup title, earning him a notable bonus of over $530,000.
Trade Rumors and the Knicks’ Dilemma
As the NBA season progresses, chatter around Yabusele has intensified. According to reports, the Knicks are open to trading him to shake up their roster. Yet, multiple league executives suggest that the Knicks may need to attach additional assets to Yabusele to facilitate a deal before the February 5 trade deadline. This raises the question: should the Sixers consider rekindling their connection with Yabusele?
Changing Landscape for the Sixers
The Sixers’ front office, led by president Daryl Morey, has expressed regret over not retaining Yabusele during the offseason. However, the team found itself constrained by a numbers game. With Yabusele signed only to a one-year deal, the Sixers could only offer him a limited contract extension. They had access to the $5.7 million taxpayer mid-level exception, a resource the Knicks utilized to sign him, but felt it was too risky given their salary cap situation.
The offseason ultimately shifted in favor of the Sixers. They capitalized on the market, signing Trendon Watford to a two-year deal, while also adding Dominick Barlow and Jabari Walker on two-way contracts. While injuries have sidelined Watford for much of the season, Barlow and Walker have made significant contributions, raising questions about their future with the team.
Deciding the Future: Yabusele vs. Young Talent
As the Sixers look ahead, they are faced with a pivotal decision. They can use the taxpayer mid-level exception to acquire Yabusele without sending any salary out, but time is of the essence. The value of this exception diminishes by nearly $33,000 per day starting January 10, creating a tight window to act. If the team intends to absorb Yabusele’s $5.5 million salary, they must finalize any deal by January 15.
Yabusele also holds a $5.8 million player option for the 2026-27 season. If the Sixers believe they can retain Barlow and/or Walker for a lesser amount and that either player could replicate Yabusele’s impact, it may be more prudent to promote them to standard contracts.
The decision becomes even more complex if Barlow and Walker hold out for better terms, which could push the Sixers to reconsider their options with Yabusele. However, maintaining an open roster spot and keeping the taxpayer MLE available for potential trades may ultimately guide the organization away from a reunion with the forward.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Sixers find themselves navigating a delicate balance between seizing opportunities for immediate improvement and investing in their promising young talent. The next few weeks will be crucial in shaping the team’s trajectory for the remainder of the season.
