Report: Cavaliers Could Sign Guerschon Yabusele

According to NBA reporter Evan Dammarell of ClutchPoints, the Cleveland Cavaliers could sign Guerschon Yabusele.

Yabusele was a star for Team France during the Olympics and new Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson was an assistant coach with France, who won the Silver medal. 

“A team that could be a serious option for Yabusele is the Cavaliers, who just named Atkinson as the team’s next head coach,” Dammarell reported. “Atkinson was an assistant on France’s basketball team, helping scheme their offense to a silver medal finish. Sources have shared with ClutchPoints that since the Cavs typically carry 14 players, they will consult Atkinson on adding a player he’s familiar with before Cleveland’s training camp.

“Although Cleveland may look for a veteran who doesn’t expect playing time, why not try Yabusele, a forward who’s only 28 and can push the team as a reserve? The French connection between Atkinson, the Cavs, and Yabusele could be worth exploring, especially with how Yabusele answers a clear need on Cleveland’s roster.”

Yabusele played 74 games for the Boston Celtics from 2017-18 to 2018-19. The 28-year-old wants to play in the NBA again. 

Been waiting for a 2nd chance.. I’m ready 😤🧸

— Guerschon Yabusele (@yabusele28) August 11, 2024

The Cavaliers haven’t made any moves in free agency or trades this offseason. The only new player on the roster is rookie Jaylon Tyson, the 20th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. 

“Cleveland needs a two-way forward at either spot, especially one that can play alongside either Jarrett Allen or Evan Mobley,” Dammarell wrote. “Yabusele fits that mold and can give the Cavs shooting, defense, energy, and rebounding as either Mobley or Max Strus‘s main backup. Yabusele’s skillset is an ideal blend of what the Cavs need and, thanks to the connection with Atkinson, could make Yabusele a rock-solid free-agency signing.”

The Cavaliers lost to the Celtics in the second round of the 2024 playoffs in five games.

Atkinson, who signed a five-year deal with Cleveland, will meet with the Cavaliers’ front office once he returns to America to discuss if there are any players the team can add.