The New York Knicks are reportedly open to trading two role players, Guerschon Yabusele and Pacôme Dadiet, as they approach the February 5 NBA trade deadline. This move aims to refine the roster around their star players amid a recent slump. League sources indicate the team seeks minor adjustments to boost their Eastern Conference standing.
The Knicks, currently holding a 24-14 record, have struggled lately, dropping five of their last six games. This has left them four games behind the Detroit Pistons, who lead the Eastern Conference at 28-10. Since clinching the NBA Cup, New York has gone 6-7, prompting considerations for roster tweaks.
According to NBA reporter Marc Stein, league sources confirm that Guerschon Yabusele and Pacôme Dadiet are on the trading block before the deadline. "League sources say that Guerschon Yabusele and Pacôme Dadiet are available before the Feb. 5 trade deadline to potentially set the Knicks up to do some minor tweaking," Stein reported.
Yabusele, a 30-year-old big man, joined the Knicks on a two-year, $12 million contract to bolster frontcourt depth. He had a productive 2024-25 season with the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 11 points, 5.6 rebounds, and shooting 38 percent from three-point range. However, his role in New York has been limited, with averages of just 3.3 points in 9.9 minutes per game.
Dadiet, a 20-year-old forward, was selected 25th overall by the Knicks in the 2024 NBA draft. Over two seasons, he has appeared in 32 games, scoring 1.1 points per contest on average. As a developmental prospect, he may benefit from a new environment, especially as the Knicks prioritize immediate contention.
These potential trades would center on enhancing the lineup featuring Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby, aiming to recapture momentum in the competitive East.
