The San Antonio Spurs decided against making a blockbuster trade for Kevin Durant and instead held on to their draft picks, selecting Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant in the first round.
Now, the Spurs have shifted their focus to free agency, and one of their top priorities is adding to their frontcourt alongside superstar Victor Wembanyama. According to one NBA insider, San Antonio is zeroing in on a versatile big man who could solve their problems.
Spurs Pursuing Guerschon Yabusele in NBA Free Agency
While Wembanyama continues to anchor the paint, the Spurs’ roster lacks reliable size around him. San Antonio is reportedly eyeing Philadelphia 76ers forward/center Guerschon Yabusele.
“Now the Spurs, league sources say, are looming as a prominent landing spot for big men on the free agent market as well,” NBA insider Jake Fischer reported. “On Saturday afternoon, we reported San Antonio’s rising interest, among other teams, in trying to lure rugged French forward Guerschon Yabusele away from Philadelphia.”
Fischer noted that Wembanyama’s connection with Yabusele could give them an edge over other teams in the mix for the free-agent big man.
“Multiple well-placed observers are describing San Antonio as the foremost threat to sign Yabusele away from the 76ers, but I’m also told that Philadelphia has not yet abandoned hope of convincing him to stay,” Fischer noted. “The Spurs certainly boast a persuasive recruiter in the Yabusele chase — his Olympic teammate Victor Wembanyama — but word is Milwaukee is another team to watch here.”
While Yabusele is the Spurs’ top priority, Boston Celtics center Luke Kornet has also emerged as a free-agency target.
“Another center target, sources say, that rival executives expect San Antonio to pursue: Boston’s Luke Kornet,” Fischer wrote. “The Celtics’ 29-year-old big man, who has yet to earn north of $3 million in any single season in his eight-year NBA career, appears to have a real shot to cash out in this summer’s midlevel market.”
The Spurs finished the 2024–25 season with a 34–48 record, but after trading for De’Aaron Fox before the deadline and adding Harper through the draft, San Antonio is hoping to make a significant leap forward during the 2025-26 NBA season.
Yabusele was drafted No. 16 overall by the Celtics in 2017 but left to play overseas after two quiet seasons in the NBA. However, he rose back to prominence with strong performances during the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he led France to a silver medal alongside Wembanyama.
Guerschon Yabusele- a Spurs fan favorite after his Olympics performances for Team France- balled out on Monday night for the 76ers.
10 points
11 Rebounds
3 Assists
1 Block
4/6 FGM
2/4 3PM
21 Minutes https://t.co/qIajA4obiJ pic.twitter.com/rantjTBGdF— SpursRΞPORTΞR (@SpursReporter) October 15, 2024
His terrific play earned him a one-year deal with the 76ers, and he made the most of his opportunity in Philadelphia.
The 29-year-old played the best basketball of his NBA career, averaging 11 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 50.1% from the field and 38% from 3-point range.
While the 2024-25 season ended up being quite tumultuous for Philly, Yabusele ended up being one of the few bright spots. Given Yabusele’s bond and chemistry with Wembanyama, it wouldn’t be a shock if the Spurs manage to lure him to San Antonio.
