Knicks Send Guerschon Yabusele, Cash to Bulls in Trade
On February 5, the Chicago Bulls officially announced a trade with the New York Knicks. The deal involved the acquisition of Guerschon Yabusele, along with a cash payment from the Knicks. This move marks a shift for both teams as they look to optimize their rosters.
Details of the Trade
On February 4, the trade was reported, confirming that Dalen Terry would be heading to the Knicks in exchange for Yabusele. Both sides had specific motivations driving this decision.
Knicks’ Perspective
- The Knicks have been attempting to offload Yabusele for several weeks.
- His player option for $5.7 million for the next season made finding a trade partner challenging.
- With Yabusele’s $5.5 million salary exchanged for Terry’s $5.4 million, the Knicks gained financial flexibility.
- This trade increased their salary cap space below the second apron from $148,359 to $249,241.
- They can now pursue signing a 15th player by March 26.
Bulls’ Strategy
- The Bulls viewed Yabusele as a potential asset after seeing his effectiveness last season in Philadelphia.
- His role diminished in New York, where he averaged only 8.9 minutes over 41 games.
- With a need for size, especially after trading starting center Nikola Vucevic to Boston, the Bulls hope to utilize Yabusele effectively.
Yabusele had hinted at a potential return to Europe, where he had a successful five-season run. However, this trade likely shifts him back into a more prominent position in the NBA.
Future Implications
Dalen Terry, the 23-year-old shooting guard, was selected 18th overall in the 2022 NBA Draft. Despite his talent, he struggled to secure consistent minutes in Chicago. With this trade, he enters a situation with the Knicks that could offer him more playing time as he heads into restricted free agency this summer.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Knicks may still move Terry to another team, generating further interest in his expiring contract.
