Guerschon Yabusele has not been a clean fit for the New York Knicks, and if they're looking to give him a fresh start leading up to the NBA Trade Deadline, you can't help but wonder if the Miami Heat may be a natural fit for the big man.
There's no guarantee that the Knicks would even think about trading Yabusele, but considering he could opt out of his current contract with New York after this season, it may make the most sense for the team to explore the idea of moving him.
Even though it's not too often that two rivals like the Knicks and Heat do business with each other, the former could be a soft landing spot for Yabusele.
The Heat needs a big man and will likely attempt to add one after December 15. Who knows if the Heat would look to New York, but he's a player who does become trade-eligible on December 15, and one who does have characteristics of being a culture-type player.
With his struggles to fit in with the Knicks so far this season, it's not outlandish to think that a trade of Yabusele could be in the cards.
Guerschon Yabusele has looked out of sorts in New York
Through the first 13 games of the season, Yabusele is averaging just three points and three rebounds on 32 percent shooting from the floor. He's also logging just 10 minutes per contest. Considering he's coming off a resurgent year with the Philadelphia 76ers last season, it's unfortunate to see just how much of a step back he's taken in his NBA career through the first month of this season.
I suppose that can change, and maybe there was a learning curve coming from Philadelphia to New York, but that remains to be seen.
And if this is going to be the "norm" for Yabusele, it's pretty unacceptable. I'd tend to think he'd agree. That's why a trade can't be out of the question. There's a chance that the Heat could present the perfect role for him, or at least better than one that's currently in with the Knicks.
December 15 is a date to keep an eye on for many players across the league, and Yabusele is certainly one of them. With the way that he's struggled with the Knicks, nothing is completely off the table at the moment. Quite frankly, he may desperately need a reset.
And if the Heat are looking for a big man with upside, there may not be better options on the table if the Knicks do move in that direction.
The question is, would the Heat and Knicks be willing to come together on a deal? It seems unlikely, but it could make much more sense in a month or two.