In a surprising twist in the NBA, the New York Knicks are trading Guerschon Yabusele to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for guard Dalen Terry. This move comes shortly after Yabusele was heralded as the Knicks' standout free agent acquisition this past summer, following an impressive season with the Philadelphia 76ers.
As of February 5, 2026, sources close to the situation have confirmed this trade to The Athletic. Yabusele, now 30 years old, had a player option for the upcoming season but struggled to make his mark on the team since the initial weeks of the current season, finding himself mostly sidelined and unable to secure consistent playing time.
Despite being in a system that typically offers numerous opportunities for open shots, Yabusele faced challenges both defensively and offensively, contributing to his limited role on the team. Given the Knicks’ pressing financial constraints — they are deep into the first-apron payroll threshold — the lack of output from Yabusele's contract was unsustainable, making a trade inevitable. According to league insiders, the Knicks have actively sought to offload Yabusele for an extended period.
Drafted as a first-round pick by the Boston Celtics in 2016, Yabusele found himself out of the NBA by 2019. However, he made a notable comeback after showcasing his skills at the Parish Olympics in 2024, which led to signing with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he averaged 11 points per game with a commendable 38% shooting rate from three-point range during the 2024-25 season.
By trading Yabusele for Terry, the Knicks not only alleviate some salary burdens but also gain additional flexibility for the upcoming offseason. The savings generated this season may enable them to target a potential buyout candidate as early as the last week of March, rather than waiting until April.
Terry, who has a team option for the next season, may not immediately fit into Knicks coach Mike Brown's rotation, but he does offer added height and depth, particularly useful in the event of injuries. Currently, he boasts a 41% success rate from beyond the arc, although he has had limited chances to shoot.
This trade certainly opens up discussions about the Knicks' strategy moving forward. What are your thoughts? Do you think this was a smart move for the Knicks, or do you believe they could have gotten more value out of Yabusele? Share your opinions!
