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Team France Star Exposes Sixers’ Lowballing Tactics That Sent him to Knicks
Kyle Ross-Imagn Images

Team France Star Exposes Sixers’ Lowballing Tactics That Sent him to Knicks

Originally posted on FirstSportz  |  By Joseph Varghese  |  Last updated Jul 5, 2025 1:18 PM ET

Whenever a season ends, quite a few NBA players are either in the midst of contract negotiations, or part of trades. French star Guerschon Yabusele was one of the former, after his 1-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers came to an end.

The 6′ 8″ forward was one of the highlights from last season, despite the Sixers having a tough time dealing with injuries. His 11 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists were nearly five times better than the last time he was in the league.

It was all because of his excellent performances for the French National team during the Paris Olympics. The 76ers brought him in to play off the bench, but he ended up starting 43 games as injuries to starting big men helped him get the nod.

Once his 1-year, $2 million contract came to an end, he was open to both the idea of leaving, and staying with the Sixers. However, he believed he had done enough to garner a significant raise in his pay. He revealed, while on SKWEEK, how his negotiations with the team happened.

I didn’t really have any issues over there, like I want to leave. I was like, okay, if they want to resign me, and then they give me something good, I will come back. For sure. But they almost didn’t really make, like, an offer. They did, but it was really, really low to be really transparent.

Guerschon Yabusele said

By lowballing on his initial offer, the 29-year-old understood that the Philadelphia 76ers did not necessarily want him back. That is what made him look at other offers and decided to sign with a team that wanted him.

Knicks pay Guerschon Yabusele what he deserves

Every NBA player hopes to earn the most possible amount of money they can while they are playing. Guerschon Yabusele’s decision to leave the Philadelphia 76ers was based on that incentive. Once it was understood that he was not going to return to the Sixers, another team swooped in.

Free agent center Guerschon Yabusele has agreed to a two-year, $12 million contract with the New York Knicks, plus a player option, sources tell ESPN. The Knicks negotiated the new deal with agents Olivier Mazet and Richie Felder for the big man on Tuesday.

Shams Charania wrote on X

This new deal means he will earn three times the money he earned in his first season back in the NBA. He might have wanted more, but understands that in the NBA, he is still a developing rotational player. Moreover, if he wants to be a part of a contender, he will have to make some compromises.

Knicks retool bench with Guerschon Yabusele and Jordan Clarkson

Guerschon Yabusele adds much needed toughness to the New York Knicks bench that was one of the primary concerns from last season. However, they decided to add more players as they look to go at least one place better than how their 2024-25 season ended.

Shams Charania revealed that Jordan Clarkson had agreed to a buyout with the Utah Jazz and was looking to sign with the Knicks once he cleared waivers. In singing him, the Big Apple franchise get a proven, clutch sixth man.

Last season, Tom Thibodeau was criticized for not using his bench when necessary. With him gone, and possibly Mike Brown taking over, the newly signed rotational players can hope for a better usage rate. They all want to win the NBA title, and hope they can contribute towards it.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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