How New York adjusted Gershon Yabusele’s contract in the trade to the Bulls

The New York Knicks found ways to adapt Gershon Jabusele’s contract before he changes it Chicago Bulls ahead NBA trade deadline for the 2025-26 season.

Jabusele’s tenure with the Knicks ended early, despite signing with the team last offseason. New York sent him to Chicago in exchange for Dalen Terry. They later sent Terry and draft compensation in a separate deal with the New Orleans Pelicans for Jose Alvarado.

It’s left had a player option for the next season. Even so, the Nixie worked with him to reject that option to be able to complete the trade and allow the big man to become a free agent this summer, according to reporters KC Johnson, Ian Begley and Joel Lorenzi.

“Gershon Yabusele worked with the Knicks to modify the second year of his contract, removing the player option to facilitate a trade with Chicago, per league sources. The trade gives him an opportunity to compete and play this season at CHI and evaluate his options this summer,” Begley wrote.

“Gershon Yabusele is out of a player option for next season and will be a UFA this offseason, sources can confirm. He was working with the Knicks on contract changes prior to the Dallen Terry trade,” Johnson noted.

“Sources can confirm the deal between the Bulls and Gershon Yabusele comes with him waiving his player option ($5.77 million) for next year. It expires this year. It will be interesting to see how long he stays with the Bulls, as I’m told he has strong interest in a contract overseas,” Lorenzi said.

What’s next for the Knicks after the Gershon Yabusele trade

It’s unfortunate that things didn’t work out for Gershon Yabusele during his short stint with the Knicks. However, he failed to make a strong impact in the rotation, paving the way for his next chapter with the Bulls.

Yabusele was relatively active during the first half of the New York season. Appearing in 41 games, he averaged 2.7 points and 2.1 rebounds per game. He shot 39.3% from the field, including 29.4% from beyond the arc.

New York boasts a 33-18 record on the season, holding second place in the Eastern Conference standings. They are tied with the Boston Celtics for second place while trailing the Detroit Pistons by five games.

With eight straight wins, the Knicks will be looking forward to their next game. They are on the road when they face the Pistons, as tip-off begins on February 6th at 7:30pm ET.