Spurs Predicted To Steal Guerschon Yabusele From The 76ers

Guerschon Yabusele’s stellar performance in the 2024 Olympics turned heads across the NBA. The Philadelphia 76ers capitalized on this by signing him to a one-year, veteran-minimum deal. His strong play in international competition and Real Madrid made him a sought-after talent. However, his short-term contract could make it difficult for Philadelphia to retain him. Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report is predicting him to land on the San Antonio Spurs. 

Spurs Predicted To Steal Guerschon Yabusele From The 76ers

Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report explains his 76ers situation:

“Like most of the NBA, the Philadelphia 76ers were impressed by Guerschon Yabusele’s performance in the 2024 Olympics. They got him to sign a one-year, veteran-minimum contract this past offseason, but that could make it difficult for them to re-sign him.”

Now, as Yabusele enters free agency, several teams, including the San Antonio Spurs, could aggressively pursue him.

Financial Limitations Could Cost the Sixers

Philadelphia faces financial hurdles in keeping Yabusele. They only have his non-Bird rights, limiting their offer to a mid-level exception. If they approach the first apron ($195.9 million), they will only have access to the $5.7 million taxpayer MLE instead of the $14.1 million non-taxpayer MLE.

Additionally, the Sixers lack full control over their payroll. Kelly Oubre Jr., Andre Drummond, and Eric Gordon hold player options, making salary cap planning difficult. Quentin Grimes’ restricted free agency could further complicate matters, as his late-season breakout may command a significant payday.

Pincus highlights this uncertainty:

“Since Kelly Oubre Jr. ($8.4 million), Andre Drummond ($5 million) and Eric Gordon ($3.5 million) have player options, the 76ers don’t have complete control over their payroll this offseason. Additionally, they have a restricted free agent in Quentin Grimes who may command a hefty payday thanks to his late-season breakout.”

Spurs Have the Edge in the Guerschon Yabusele Bidding War

San Antonio enters the offseason in a much better financial position. They have the full non-taxpayer MLE available, which allows them to offer Yabusele a four-year deal worth up to $60.6 million. Given Philadelphia’s financial constraints, matching such an offer could be challenging.

Moreover, the Spurs boast a major advantage—Victor Wembanyama. The French connection between Wembanyama and Yabusele could make San Antonio an attractive destination. Playing alongside a generational talent and a potential long-term project might entice Yabusele to choose the Spurs over a cap-strapped Sixers squad.

Is Yabusele a Perfect Fit for San Antonio?

San Antonio could have 11 players under contract for $145 million if they pick up all their team options. They already have wings like Harrison Barnes ($19 million), Devin Vassell ($27 million), Keldon Johnson ($17.5 million), and Jeremy Sochan ($7 million). However, the modern NBA demands depth at the wing position.

Barnes’ expiring contract could also make him a trade asset, opening up opportunities for a new acquisition like Yabusele. If the Spurs want to add more wing depth and bolster their rotation, Yabusele could be an excellent fit.

Guerschon Yabusele Could Be Swapping the 76ers for the Spurs This Summer

Yabusele has proven himself at the highest levels of international basketball, and now he enters free agency with significant interest. The Sixers want to retain him, but financial obstacles may prevent them from making a competitive offer. Meanwhile, the Spurs have the cap flexibility and a strong pitch in Wembanyama’s presence.

If San Antonio decides to go all-in, Yabusele could soon find himself wearing silver and black, making an impact alongside Wembanyama in the Spurs’ long-term rebuild.