Knicks weigh Yabusele’s future as trade window opens
knicks-weigh-yabusele-future-as-trade-window-opens
The New York Knicks are expected to explore trade options for forward Guerschon Yabusele once he becomes eligible to be moved on Monday, league sources told The New York Post. Unless his role expands before the Feb. 5 trade deadline, both sides are believed to prefer a separation.
Yabusele, 29, joined New York last summer on a two-year, $11.25 million deal via the taxpayer mid-level exception. The agreement was finalized before the club hired head coach Mike Brown, whose up-tempo offense has not featured the French big man prominently.
Backup point guard on wish list
Because Yabusele’s contract is roughly mid-level in size, it could serve as a salary-matching piece in any deal. New York is thought to be seeking a reserve point guard, and multiple reports identify José Alvarado of the New Orleans Pelicans as a potential target. The Brooklyn native earns $4.5 million this season and holds a player option worth the same amount for 2026-27. If New Orleans makes the 27-year-old available, he is expected to draw widespread interest, with the Knicks among the suitors.
Anunoby’s impact
OG Anunoby returned from a hamstring strain earlier this month and has immediately boosted New York’s lineup. The Knicks are 3-0 since the 28-year-old rejoined the rotation and own a 76-36 regular-season record (.679) when he plays, compared with 25-20 (.556) without him. “OG, he was all over the place,” guard Josh Hart said after Tuesday’s win in Toronto, crediting Anunoby for sparking a decisive second-quarter surge.
Brown continues Brunson MVP push
Brown reiterated his belief that guard Jalen Brunson deserves MVP consideration, calling him one of the greatest players in franchise history. “He’s been here long enough, he’s helped them win a lot of games,” Brown said Thursday. “It’s his team, he’s the guy here, he’s an MVP candidate.”
NBA Cup semifinal vs. Magic
Saturday’s NBA Cup semifinal against Orlando will mark the fourth meeting between the clubs this season. The Magic captured the first two contests before New York claimed the third last Sunday. Brown said the matchup has not yet reached “rivalry” status but could in the future.
Source: Hoops Rumors
