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The “Dancing Bear” has landed in the Windy City. Following a high-stakes move, French forward Guerschon Yabusele has officially transitioned from the New York Knicks to the Chicago Bulls. During a recent stop at the Barclays Center, the Olympic standout spoke to Valeria Rubino about his arrival, the harsh realities of the NBA business, and his enduring connection to his roots.
For Yabusele, this move is a masterclass in resilience. “We tell ourselves that this happens to everyone,” Yabusele remarked regarding the trade. “It happened before us, and it will happen after us. No one is going to feel sorry for us—that’s just the way it is. You have to keep pushing; it’s part of the game.”
The Business of Basketball: A Wake-Up Call
The reality of the NBA’s “business side” hit home for Yabusele last season during the massive trade that sent Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks to the Los Angeles Lakers. That moment served as a definitive lesson for the French-Congolese forward: nobody is untouchable.
“At that moment, I told myself: nobody is ever safe. We know the business side. There isn’t much to do except accept it, keep working, and stay positive.”
This mindset allowed Yabusele to facilitate his move to Chicago by remarkably waiving his $5.8 million player option for the 2026-27 season. By betting on himself and opting for unrestricted free agency this summer, he prioritized the opportunity to stay on the court over long-term financial security.
A Fresh Start in the Windy City
Yabusele joins a Chicago Bulls roster in the midst of a significant transformation. With seven new players integrating into the rotation, the focus in Illinois is on chemistry and collective rhythm.
- Building Chemistry: “We are really trying to build bonds to better understand each other on the floor, to know who does what,” Yabusele explained.
- Constant Progress: Despite the challenges of a mid-season move, he remains optimistic: “For now, it’s going well. From game to game, we are progressing.”
His time with the New York Knicks is now firmly in the past. While he values the experience gained in the Big Apple, his focus is solely on finishing the season strong with the Bulls.
The Pursuit of Olympic Gold
Beyond the NBA, Yabusele remains a cornerstone of the French national team. His iconic dunk over LeBron James during the Olympics remains a symbol of his fearlessness on the world stage. After securing two Olympic silver medals, his ultimate goal remains the same: Gold.
“It’s always complicated to reach a final. The road is very long,” he admitted. “But deep down, I really believe we have the means to give ourselves a chance to be there. Now, it’s about working every day.”
A Symbol for the Diaspora
Born in Dreux, France, to parents from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Yabusele has always carried his dual identity with pride. Whether playing in Boston, Madrid, Philly, New York, or now Chicago, he remains a role model for the African diaspora. His journey—from training as a boxer with his father to becoming an NBA mainstay—is a testament to the “fighting spirit” he inherited from his family.
As he begins this new chapter in Chicago, Yabusele brings the same power, humility, and relentless resolve that have defined his career thus far.
