Cleveland Cavaliers Connected to Olympic Basketball Star: Deal in Sight

The Cleveland Cavaliers still have an open roster spot, leaving room for a veteran to join the playoff-bound team. The Cavaliers are particularly in need of a versatile forward who can impact both ends of the floor. Recently, one under-the-radar name has emerged in connection with the Cleveland Cavaliers during free agency.

**French Star Guerschon Yabusele May Join the Cleveland Cavaliers**

Guerschon Yabusele: Why He Isn't in the NBA
Guerschon Yabusele: Why He Isn’t in the NBA

Guerschon Yabusele, a standout during France’s silver medal run against Team USA, might be on the Cavaliers’ radar. Known to basketball fans for his time with the Boston Celtics from 2017-2019, Yabusele now plays for Real Madrid.

Yabusele’s stats with France include 14 points per game, 3.3 rebounds, and a 28.6% shooting average from beyond the arc. He is currently under contract with Real Madrid, which includes a $2.5 million buyout fee. This fee could deter many NBA teams, given the NBA’s maximum allowable buyout of $850,000. The remainder would need to be covered by Yabusele himself. Despite this, the Cavaliers have been mentioned as a potential destination for him.

According to Clutch Points’ Evan Dammarell, the Cavaliers might be a serious option for Yabusele. With Kenny Atkinson recently appointed as the team’s head coach—who previously assisted with France’s basketball team—there’s a possibility that Atkinson’s familiarity with Yabusele could influence the Cavaliers’ decision. The team, typically carrying 14 players, is expected to consult Atkinson about adding a player he knows well before training camp begins.

Known as the “Dancing Bear,” Yabusele played just 74 games in the NBA with the Celtics after being drafted 16th overall in 2016, averaging 6.6 minutes per game. However, his impressive performance in France suggests he is ready to make a return to the NBA and could become a regular part of Atkinson’s rotation.

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