With the NBA trade deadline quickly approaching on February 6th, rumors are swirling. The Boston Celtics aren’t expected to make a major, but they have been linked to several players to improve their depth. Recently, Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported that the Celtics are interested in trading for Guerschon Yabusele. The 6-foot-8 forward-center spent his first two seasons with the Celtics from 2017 to 2019 before having a five-year stint in Europe, in his NBA return season, Yabusele has been incredibly productive, making him a desirable trade target. Let’s dive into the possibility of the Celtics trading for Yabusele.
The Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Denver Nuggets are among the teams showing interest in Guerschon Yabusele, per @MikeAScotto
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Celtics Eyeing Reunion With Fan Favorite Guerschon Yabusele at the Trade Deadline
In his first two seasons with the Celtics, Yabusele averaged just 6.6 minutes, 2.3 points, and 1.4 rebounds. Despite not playing much, the Dancing Bear was always a fan favorite in Boston. However, he has been a revelation with the Philadelphia 76ers this year. Guerschon is averaging 26.6 minutes, 11 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists on 51.5/40.2/71.1 shooting splits. Yabusele had a stellar 2024 Olympics, which reignited his NBA interest. When he was a free agent the Celtics pursued Yabusele. Moreover, there have been Celtics-Yabusele trade rumors for months. The 76ers are currently the 11-seed with 19-29, making it possible that they bottom out and trade some of their win-now assets. After Yabusele recently had an impressive 21-point-six rebound outing against the Celtics, they could further look into trading for him.
Yabusele is a Perfect Fit With the Celtics
Yabusele is a highly versatile player, especially on offense. He can score inside and attack mismatches, all while spacing the floor. Yabusele is shooting an impressive 42 percent on 3.7 catch-and-shoot threes per game and 70.5 percent on shots at the rim. The Sixers’ offense is a +6.9 with Yabusele on the court. Yabusele’s inside-out game makes him an ideal fit for the Celtics; he gives them an efficient interior scoring threat and another three-point shooter. In his previous stint with Boston, Yabusele’s three-point shot wasn’t developed yet now, with an outside shot, especially in Joe Mazzulla’s system, he would thrive.
Additionally, Yabusele’s versatility would allow the Celtics to run a variety of lineups with him. Boston could use him as a forward next to Kristaps Porzingis or Al Horford, they could also play him at the small ball five. This season, Yabusele has played a ton of center minutes without Joel Embiid. Defensively, Yabusele’s strength allows him to guard opposing centers. Furthermore, his athleticism makes him capable of guarding many opposing fours. Overall, adding a physical, and well-rounded player like Yabusele would be perfect for the Celtics.
Why Trading for Yabusele is Challenging
Trading for Yabusele would greatly excite Celtics fans. However, there are some roadblocks attached to trading for him. Ahead of the deadline, Yabusele is seen as a hot commodity. This could cause the Sixers to hang on to him or the Celtics to get into a bidding war. Unlike many other Celtics’ trade targets, Yabusele would come at a significant cost asset-wise. This would include trading a player such as Jaden Springer or Xavier Tillman to match his salary, along with multiple picks, perhaps a first-round pick.
While this isn’t bad value, the Celtics already have a loaded rotation, and targeting someone cheaper could be prudent. Additionally, another team could easily outbid Boston. Yabusele’s $2 million contract is attainable even given the Celtics’ standing as a second-apron team. However, Guerschon is a pending free agent, and re-signing him would be challenging for the Celtics, given their financial situation. Yabusele would boost the Celtics’ depth and title chances, however, depending on the price, it might be better to go in another direction. Ultimately, Yabusele seems like a high-end target for the Celtics; if they trade for him, they must be confident that they can re-sign him.
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