The Philadelphia 76ers are optimistic about retaining Guerschon Yabusele when he hits free agency this summer.
According to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Sixers were hesitant to trade Yabusele before the deadline, signaling their intent to bring him back.
“I don’t think you can ever be confident in an unrestricted free agent, but we feel very good,” Sixers president Daryl Morey said.
Morey pointed to the team’s recent moves, including Caleb Martin’s departure, as a way to create more financial flexibility for the offseason.
Yabusele, 29, has been a bright spot for Philadelphia since returning to the NBA after his EuroLeague stint with Real Madrid.
He is averaging career highs with 11.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2 assists in 26.8 minutes per game this season.
Currently on a one-year, $2 million contract, the French forward will enter free agency with multiple suitors likely interested in his services.
Philadelphia’s struggles this season, compounded by Joel Embiid’s injuries, have dropped them to 11th in the East with a 20-33 record.
Despite their record, the Sixers view Yabusele as a key part of their future and are focused on retaining him long-term.
