Key 76ers Vet Predicted to Bolt Philly to Join $55 Million Superstar
Philadelphia 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele turned a strong showing in the 2024 Summer Olympics into an NBA return, and now he could turn a strong return into an even bigger contract. Yabusele – a 6-foot-8, 260-pound power forward from Dreux, France – is projected to join countryman Victor Wembanayama on the San Antonio Spurs in free agency this summer by Bleacher Report.
The 76ers signed Yabusele to a 1-year, veteran minimum contract before the season, and it’s paid off. Yabusele has been a key contributor for the 76ers this season, but with an uncertain salary cap situation this summer, it’s a possibility that the 76ers will only be able to offer Yabusele a $5.7 million taxpayer mid-level exception. Despite being ruled out of the 76ers’ most recent game against the Raptors with a knee injury, Yabusele has been one of the most consistent players on the roster this season.
In 68 games, Yabusele is averaging 10.7 points (shooting 49.9% from the field and 38.3% from 3-point range), 5.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. Needless to say, he’s in line for a much bigger contract than the vet minimum he received last summer. The Spurs, who will look to make the most of a burgeoning superstar in Wembanayama (who is ruled out for the season with deep vein thrombosis) this offseason, will be able to offer a non-taxpayer mid-level exception or offer a 4-year deal worth up to $60.6 million.
Wembanayama was the first pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and signed a 4-year, $55 million contract that runs through the 2026-27 season. He’s a generational talent, averaging 22.5 points, 10.8 rebounds, 3.8 blocks, 1.2 steals and 3.7 blocks per game over his first two seasons, and the reigning Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year runner-up is an affordable talent — for now. Yabusele, who initially had a two-year stint with the Boston Celtics after being selected in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft, would be a nice complement.
