The Philadelphia 76ers needed a true power forward to complete their roster, and it seems the organization found their answer Sunday.
The Sixers are 'in serious talks' to sign French national team star Guerschon Yabusele, according to The Athletic's Shams Charania.
"Just In: France’s Guerschon Yabusele is in serious talks on a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, league sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium," Charania wrote. "Yabusele is resolving his $2.5 million contract buyout with Real Madrid as he nears NBA return."
Just In: France’s Guerschon Yabusele is in serious talks on a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, league sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium. Yabusele is resolving his $2.5 million contract buyout with Real Madrid as he nears NBA return. pic.twitter.com/TRkVDfnLX5
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 18, 2024
The 6-foot-8, 260-pound big man played a strong campaign at the 2024 Paris Olympics, but one moment put his name back on the radars of NBA teams. During the gold medal matchup against Team USA, Yabusele delivered a monster slam dunk over superstar LeBron James. Considering the impact the Los Angeles Lakers forward has on the league, it's not much of a surprise the highlight brought Yabusele even greater attention.
"Yabusele helped lead the French national team to the Silver Medal at the Paris Olympics, averaging 14 points and receiving significant interest from multiple teams in recent weeks," Charania shared. "The 2016 No. 16 overall pick is on cusp of joining 76ers after playing for Boston from 2017-19."
Yabusele helped lead the French national team to the Silver Medal at the Paris Olympics, averaging 14 points and receiving significant interest from multiple teams in recent weeks. The 2016 No. 16 overall pick is on cusp of joining 76ers after playing for Boston from 2017-19. https://t.co/pgmo6mKdaH
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 18, 2024
Yabusele never panned out in the NBA as the No. 16 pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. He appeared in 74 total games, averaging 2.3 points and 1.4 rebounds on 44.2% shooting. Since leaving the league after two seasons, the 28-year-old performed well for Real Madrid, averaging nearly 12 points in his best year.
While Yabusele wouldn't play a substantial role in Philadelphia's rotation, his road back to the NBA demands nothing but respect.
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