Guerschon Yabusele and Pacome Dadiet on the market, Batum targeted: the Knicks are looking to modify their roster

The New York Knicks are ready to part ways with Guerschon Yabusele before the trade deadline on February 5. According to NBA journalist Marc Stein, « league sources indicate that Guerschon Yabusele and Pacome Dadiet are available before the deadline to potentially allow the Knicks to make some minor adjustments. » This decision comes after a disappointing season for the 30-year-old Frenchman, who is struggling to find playing time and match the level he displayed last season with the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Knicks have made Guerschon Yabusele available in trade talks, per @TheSteinLine

« The Knicks entered Sunday’s play at 6-7 since defeating San Antonio in the Dec. 16 Cup final in Las Vegas. League sources say that Guerschon Yabusele and Pacome Dadiet are available before the… pic.twitter.com/I0FvJwHP9s

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 11, 2026

A spectacular drop in production since his arrival

Signed last summer on a two-year contract worth $11.2 million, Yabusele was considered a good signing on the market. After an excellent 2023-2024 season in Philadelphia (averaging 11 points and 5.6 rebounds with 38% from 3-point range), the former Real Madrid player was expected to provide depth to the Knicks frontcourt.

The reality has proven quite different. In 32 games this season, Yabusele is averaging only 3.3 points and 2.2 rebounds in just 9.9 minutes per game, a drastic drop from the 27.1 minutes played last season. His percentages remain decent (41.3% from the field, 34.5% from 3-point range), but his impact in Mike Brown’s system has become marginal.

PLAYER PROFILE

Guerschon YABUSELE

Position(s): Power Forward

Height: 201 cm

Age: 30 years (12/17/1995)

Nationality:

Stats 2025-2026 / NBA

PTS

3.3

#390

REB

2.2

#337

AST

0.5

#432

Nicolas Batum mentioned as potential target

To replace Yabusele, the Knicks are exploring several options. The name of Nicolas Batum, French veteran with the Los Angeles Clippers, is circulating according to ESPN. « Trading for the Clippers’ Nicolas Batum would give the Knicks a more reliable veteran in the frontcourt, and it wouldn’t take much to acquire him, » explains ESPN’s Zach Kram.

The Knicks (24-14) are going through a difficult period with five losses in their last six games. Since their NBA Cup victory, the team has posted a 6-7 record, revealing adaptation problems. Even Karl-Anthony Towns acknowledges the difficulties: « Different system. It’s just different… The biggest adjustment is for me. As Mike said, I’m making the biggest sacrifice. »

With a salary of $5.5 million that’s easily absorbable, Yabusele represents an interesting trade asset for New York, which is looking to optimize its rotation around Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby before the playoffs.