Guerschon Yabusele opened up about his departure from the Philadelphia 76ers this week, calling the team’s contract offer “really, really low” during an interview with SKWEEK TV.
The 29-year-old forward, who signed a two-year, $12 million deal with the New York Knicks, said he had no issue staying in Philadelphia if the team had shown interest. “If they want to re-sign me and then they give me something good, I will come back, for sure,” Yabusele said. “And if they want me to leave, I’ll leave. I didn’t have any hard feeling or hard time.”
He explained he was open to returning but felt unwanted after seeing the 76ers’ proposal. “They almost didn’t make an offer. They did, but it was really, really low to be really transparent,” he told the European basketball platform.
Yabusele added that the offer made it seem like Philadelphia preferred to move on. “I felt like ‘Oh my god, you guys, it seems like you don’t really want me to stay’, kind of,” he said of the situation.
“It was a situation, but no hard feeling. I’m always thankful for them. They gave me my second chance. Everything goes from them,” the Frenchman added. “I will always be thankful to be able to be a part of their franchise, to went there and then play the season. I will thank them from the bottom of my heart. Me and my family really happy about everything they did for us.”
Regarding joining the Knicks, Yabusele said, “the Knicks came with a good offer but also I feel like the team and everything that they had to give us was a good choice.”
The French forward averaged 11.0 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists over 70 games last season, starting in 43 contests. He shot 50.1% from the floor and 38.0% from three-point range.
Despite his consistent play, the 76ers struggled to a 24–58 record and missed the playoffs. The franchise faced salary cap challenges this summer, limiting its flexibility despite holding Early Bird Rights on Yabusele.
San Antonio was also reportedly interested, hoping to pair him with Victor Wembanyama. However, New York ultimately secured his signature, adding depth and shooting to a 51–31 squad that finished third in the East.
