By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Guerschon Yabusele previously waived his player option for the 2026-27 season to facilitate a trade away from the New York Knicks, as confirmed by K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Sports Network on Thursday.
The French power forward was eventually traded to the Chicago Bulls, with his new team picking up a contract for the remainder of the 2025-26 season, instead of also absorbing the aforementioned options worth approximately 5.8 million dollars. Obviously, this contract clause was reducing the trade value of Yabusele.
With the Bulls expected to keep him for the rest of the season, 30-year-old Yabusele will afterward become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, instead of being likely to pick up his option for one more season.
His summer options will include a return to the EuroLeague, with several teams of Europe’s premier club competition already lining up over recent weeks, awaiting a possible midseason departure from the NBA. However, this plan has been delayed for at least a few months.
Meanwhile, the experienced big addressed his departure from the Knicks via an emotional message on his X account.
“New York,
I imagined our journey differently, but in an athlete’s life, things don’t always go as planned.
Still, I’m grateful for every moment wearing this legendary jersey. Thank you to the staff, my teammates, and the fans for the support and energy.
Wishing you all the best moving forward.”
Later, upon official confirmation of his trade, Yabusele also welcomed his move to the Bulls.
Per the press release: “The Chicago Bulls announced today the team has acquired center/forward Guerschon Yabusele (Gur-shawn Yah-boo-say-lay) and cash considerations from the New York Knicks in exchange for guard Dalen Terry.
Yabusele, 6-8, 283, is currently in his fourth NBA season and has appeared in 185 games (48 starts) between the Knicks (2024-2026), Philadelphia 76ers (2024-25) and Boston Celtics (2017-19). Yabusele holds career averages of 5.7 points, 3.2 rebounds and 1.1 assists in 14.8 minutes per game.
The Dreux, France native was drafted by Boston No. 16 overall in the 2016 NBA Draft and spent two seasons in the NBA before playing overseas in Spain, France, Turkey and China for five seasons (2019-24). Yabusele initially made his pro debut for Chorale Roanne Basket in France in 2013.
He made his return to the NBA in 2024-25, averaging career bests of 11.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 27.1 minutes through 70 games (43 starts) with Philadelphia. Yabusele has been a regular with the French National Team since 2021, averaging 12.5 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.7 assists across all competitions – including a silver medal finish during the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
In four seasons with the Bulls, Terry averaged 3.5 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 11.1 minutes through 204 games (seven starts). Terry was drafted by Chicago with the 18th pick of the 2022 NBA Draft.
Yabusele will wear No. 28.”