Philadelphia 76ers in Talks with French Power Forward Guerschon Yabusele
The Philadelphia 76ers are currently engaged in serious discussions with French power forward Guerschon Yabusele, as per league sources. The team is interested in signing the Olympic silver medalist, who impressed with an average of 14 points while representing France at the 2024 Games in Paris.
Yabusele, who is currently resolving his $2.5 million contract buyout with Real Madrid, is nearing a return to the NBA. According to league rules, the 76ers would be responsible for paying a maximum of $850,000 to resolve the buyout, with Yabusele and Real Madrid responsible for the remaining amount, approximately $1.6 million.
The 28-year-old previously played for the Boston Celtics from 2017 to 2019 after being selected with the 16th pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. Yabusele has made it clear that he is eager to make a comeback to the league, expressing his readiness for a second chance in a recent social media post.
Yabusele’s potential addition to the 76ers’ roster would address a glaring need for the team. Standing at 6-foot-8 and weighing around 275 pounds, he is a perfect fit as a stretch 4, a position currently lacking in the team’s lineup. Furthermore, his addition would fill the 76ers’ 14th roster spot, ensuring they meet the minimum requirement.
Since his last NBA stint in 2019, Yabusele has shown significant improvement in his game. This was evident in his impressive performance at the Olympics, where he shot 44.5 percent from beyond the arc for Real Madrid last season. Additionally, he has made notable strides in his conditioning, although he still faces challenges with defensive awareness. Yabusele’s size also allows him to excel in switches in the paint, although he is primarily expected to provide floor spacing for the team.
However, the buyout process presents a challenge for the 76ers. With only a minimum salary to offer, the team faces a hurdle as Yabusele’s buyout with Madrid stands at $2.5 million. The 76ers can only contribute $825,000 towards the buyout, with the rest needing to be covered by cap space or exception money, which the team currently lacks. It is possible that both parties could negotiate the number, ultimately reducing the financial burden on Yabusele. Alternatively, Yabusele may find himself owing $1.675 million while earning only $2.1 million for the upcoming season. A potential minimum deal for Yabusele could include a second season, which would guarantee him a salary of $2.4 million.
Overall, the potential acquisition of Guerschon Yabusele would significantly bolster the Philadelphia 76ers’ roster, addressing their need for a stretch 4 and providing valuable floor spacing. Yabusele’s improved performance since his last NBA stint and his impressive showing at the Olympics make him an intriguing addition to the team. However, the buyout process presents a challenge for the 76ers, who will need to navigate negotiations to ensure a successful signing.