5 NBA teams that could benefit from signing France's Olympic star Guerschon Yabusele
Guerschon Yabusele was one of the breakout stars in the men's basketball tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He averaged 14.0 points per game and was named to the All-Star Five Second Team. He's open to returning to the NBA, so which teams could benefit from signing him?
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, Yabusele has a $2.5 million buyout with his current team Real Madrid Baloncesto. An interested NBA team will need to pay the buyout fee plus whatever salary the 28-year-old French forward feels he deserves. He only has two years of service in the league, so he won't be costing a lot of money for now.
Yabusele was the 16th overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft by the Boston Celtics. He played 74 games in two years before leaving to play overseas. He took his talents to China and France before joining Real Madrid in 2021. He won the EuroLeague with them in 2023, as well as Liga ACB titles in 2022 and 2024.
Five NBA teams that could benefit from signing Guerschon Yabusele
Guerschon Yabusele has improved his game, especially his 3-point shot, since leaving the NBA. He could be useful for teams looking for an explosive forward who can play multiple frontcourt positions.
Here are five NBA teams that could benefit from signing the French star:
#1 San Antonio Spurs
Guerschon Yabusele is looking for another opportunity to prove himself in the NBA. There might not be a more perfect team to do with than the San Antonio Spurs.
Victor Wembanyama got Chris Paul to make things easier for him next season, but adding Yabusele would benefit the roster. Wembanyama and Yabusele played together for France, so they're familiar with each other's games.
#2 Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors struck out with Lauri Markkanen, so they are stuck with their current roster. The Warriors did a fantastic job in the offseason despite the failed trade pursuit, building their bench with Buddy Hield, De'Anthony Melton and Kyle Anderson.
Golden State is still likely trading Andrew Wiggins, so if that happens, Guerschon Yabusele should be a perfect replacement. He might be more consistent than Wiggins right now. The Warriors have one more roster spot left but will need to make a trade to afford Yabusele.
#3 Miami Heat
The Miami Heat still have some holes to fill on their roster, mainly the one left by Caleb Martin. The Heat could try and test Guerschon Yabusele's fit with their famed culture under Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra.
Yabusele might be tailor-made for Miami, given his heart and grit to improve over the years. He has something to prove, and almost all players for the Heat have that mentality and chip on their shoulder.
#4 LA Clippers
The LA Clippers lost Paul George in free agency, but there's no other big name to replace him left. The Clippers have Kawhi Leonard and James Harden, but injuries are a problem for Leonard.
Guerschon Yabusele could either start or come off the bench for the Clippers. Maybe he could start in place of Leonard when he gets injured. He could also provide shooting and energy off the bench while also providing defensive versatility against certain matchups.
#5 Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics are bringing almost everyone from their championship-winning roster next season. They still have some issues with depth, which could be a problem, given that most contenders improved their rosters just to beat them.
Guerschon Yabusele is familiar with the franchise and is open to returning for them. The Celtics are also splurging this offseason, so it's unclear if they could create enough space to sign him.