Guerschon Yabusele‘s upcoming free agency is attracting notable attention, especially from the San Antonio Spurs, as the Philadelphia 76ers confront significant salary cap challenges entering 2024. The forward’s consistent performance has made him a valuable asset, which could lead to competition for his services during the summer.
Michael Scotto reported on June 23 that several teams, including the Spurs, are likely to pursue Yabusele in free agency. League sources indicated that while the Sixers aim to keep him, other franchises are preparing to offer competitive contracts.
The San Antonio Spurs are among several teams expected to have interest in Yabusele during free agency, league sources told HoopsHype…The Philadelphia 76ers, of course, also have interest in re-signing their forward, league sources told HoopsHype.
—Michael Scotto, Basketball Analyst
Yabusele’s Strong Season Highlights Pay Raise Potential
Yabusele showcased his value throughout the last campaign, appearing in 70 games for the Sixers. He contributed averages of 11 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, while maintaining an efficient shooting profile of 50.1% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc. His reliable production has boosted expectations for a more lucrative contract this offseason.
The Spurs’ available cap space positions them as serious contenders to sign Yabusele, especially given their ongoing efforts to build around young star Victor Wembanyama. The prospect of uniting two French national teammates in San Antonio adds a compelling angle to their interest.
Philadelphia 76ers Face Financial Roadblocks in Retaining Yabusele
Despite the organization’s desire to keep Yabusele, a report from Marc Stein and Jake Fischer highlights the severe financial constraints plaguing the 76ers. With key veterans like Kelly Oubre Jr., Andre Drummond, and Eric Gordon likely to exercise their player options, the team has limited flexibility to offer Yabusele the deal he deserves.
With a trio of Sixers veterans — Kelly Oubre Jr., Andre Drummond and Eric Gordon — all expected to soon activate the player options in their respective contracts for next season, it looks as though it will be increasingly challenging for Philadelphia to re-sign beloved big man Guerschon Yabusele,
the duo reported.
The former first-round pick from France, who played last season on a minimum deal, is projected to have a strong market in free agency.
—Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, NBA Reporters
Yabusele’s probable departure would leave a noticeable gap in Philadelphia’s frontcourt, which underperformed during the 2024-25 season under coach Nick Nurse. He was one of the few consistent contributors amid a disappointing stretch.
Yabusele Seeks Stability and Playing Time in Next Contract
In a recent conversation with HoopsHype, Yabusele emphasized his desire for a role that offers meaningful minutes and a clear team vision. While not expecting to star for 40 minutes each game, he aims to join a squad with shared objectives and a competitive spirit.
Now that I’ve been on the team where I played and a lot of minutes too, I want to be in a situation where I can play too,
Yabusele stated.
I’m not asking to play 40 minutes a game. That would be crazy. But just to be in the right situation for me, for the team, having a goal that we can achieve and have a bunch of guys looking to the right direction.
He added further,
And if it’s with the 76ers, I’ll be more than happy. This has been a great, great season and time for me. The fans have been showing me nothing but love, even the organization. If I have to go back there, I’d be more than happy. And then if you’ve got to be somewhere else, I’d be happy, too. I just want to be on a team where we compete and we have the same goals.
—Guerschon Yabusele, Philadelphia 76ers Forward
Spurs Positioned to Offer Yabusele Playing Time and Growth
As a rebuilding team, the San Antonio Spurs can likely provide Yabusele with more consistent minutes and a significant role on the court. This opportunity, combined with their cap flexibility and roster strategy, could make them very appealing during free agency. Although the Sixers are keen on retaining their forward, financial limitations suggest that Yabusele’s departure during the offseason is becoming more plausible.
How the Spurs will firm up their interest and whether Philadelphia can overcome the financial hurdles will be central storylines as free agency unfolds in the coming weeks.