NBA Free Agency: Guerschon Yabusele Leaves 76ers, Signs 2-Year Contract With Knicks

The moment that appeared likely is now officially here. Guerschon Yabusele is leaving Philadelphia and signing a two-year, $12 million contract with the New York Knicks. Shams Charania of ESPN was first to report the deal.

Free agent center Guerschon Yabusele has agreed to a two-year, $12 million contract with the New York Knicks, plus a player option, sources tell ESPN. The Knicks negotiated the new deal with agents Olivier Mazet and Richie Felder for the big man on Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/gmYODgPkau

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025

Yabusele’s time with the Philadelphia 76ers lasted just one season. He far exceeded expectations after signing a one-year, $2.1 million contract with Philadelphia last offseason. The French native averaged 11.0 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists while shooting 38.0% from 3-point range.

While the Sixers would have liked to retain Yabusele, they ultimately were not able to come to terms with him. The Knicks used the taxpayer’s mid-level exception (TPMLE) to sign Yabusele. On paper, the Sixers could have matched that offer. However, there is uncertainty around how much salary cap space they have available to use.

Retaining Quentin Grimes is the Sixers’ top priority in free agency. If he signed for $17 million per season, the Sixers would have just enough space under the second luxury tax apron to use the full TPMLE. However, if Grimes signed with the Sixers for a higher number, that would mean the team no longer has access to the full TPMLE. All told, until the Grimes situation is resolved the Sixers have to maintain what little cap flexibility they do have.