After a horrendous start to the 2024-25 NBA season, the Philadelphia 76ers were expected to explore their trade options. Nick Nurse’s team currently holds a 7-15 record and sits 12th in the Eastern Conference.
When factoring in the Sixers’ hopes of being a contending team in the East, it’s fair to assume the front office has been close to hitting the panic button. If their struggles continue into the new year, they could potentially look to enter the trade market.
However, it would appear that Guerschon Yabusele, who joined the Sixers this summer after impressing in the Paris Olympics, will not be part of any potential deal.
According to Marc Stein, the 28-year-old forward has developed some fans within the franchise and is seen as a rare bright spot over the first 22 games.
“One source consulted stressed that the Sixers are thrilled with the production they’ve gotten from Yabusele after bringing him back to the NBA following his Olympic star turn with hosts France,” Stein reported. “It’s one of the few things that has gone right for Joel Embiid and Co.; Yabusele entered Sunday’s play averaging 10.1 points and 5.8 rebounds in 25.0 minutes per game and 40.5% shooting from three-point range…all while earning a shade under $2.1 million this season.”
Considering Yabusele’s modest contract, it’s hard to envision the Sixers finding an upgrade. If they’re going to make some moves, it will likely come further up the rotation, which, in turn, makes a trade highly unlikely.
Instead, Daryl Morey and the Sixers’ front office will likely stand pat. Philadelphia has shown signs of turning a corner in recent weeks, including their back-to-back wins over the Orlando Magic and Chicago Bulls. Yabusele has been a reliable commodity off the bench.
The Sixers have more than their fair share of injury concerns. Both Joel Embiid and Paul George have worrisome histories. Having an experienced forward to back them up while earning a minimum-scale deal is a luxury. Morey is too bright to lose out on such cheap production. Still, if the Sixers flame out of the postseason, bigger trades may be necessary, and that could lead to some tough questions and even tougher answers.
The Sixers may be back in the win column, but the pressure is mounting on the Embiid era.