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With the NBA draft in the rearview mirror, the chess match of the offseason is now in full swing. This is the time of year when front offices truly earn their paychecks, building out their rosters not just with lottery picks, but with smart, depth-focused free-agent signings and by finding hidden gems among the undrafted ranks. While blockbuster trades may grab the headlines, it’s often these strategic depth moves that fortify a team for the long grind of an 82-game season and a deep playoff run. It’s a critical period where rosters take shape, creating a fascinating puzzle for fans and sports handicappers alike as they adjust future odds and team power rankings based on each new addition.
Knicks Bolster Frontcourt with Guerschon Yabusele
The New York Knicks made a key move to strengthen their physical front line, signing French big man Guerschon Yabusele to a two-year, $12 million contract. The deal, which includes a player option for the second year, adds a tough, versatile forward to a team known for its grit. Yabusele’s journey back to a significant NBA contract is a remarkable story of perseverance. Originally drafted 16th overall by the Boston Celtics in 2016, he spent two seasons in a limited role before embarking on a global career that took him to the NBA G League, China, France, and Spain.
He successfully returned to the league last season with the Philadelphia 76ers, where he proved he belonged, averaging a solid 11.0 points and 5.6 rebounds in 70 games. For the Knicks, adding the 6-foot-8, 265-pound Yabusele provides valuable depth and toughness behind their established starters. The move will be noted by analysts on all the top sports picks sites as they evaluate the shifting landscape in the Eastern Conference.
Blazers Snag Undrafted Star Caleb Love on Two-Way Deal
Caleb Love, one of the most recognizable and electrifying players in recent college basketball history, has found his NBA home. After going unselected in last week’s draft, the Portland Trail Blazers quickly signed the guard to a two-way contract. Love was a dynamic scorer for both North Carolina, who he led to a national championship game, and Arizona. Last season, he earned First Team All-Big 12 honors while averaging over 17 points per game. He also made NCAA history as just the 13th player ever to score over 1,000 points at two different schools. The two-way contract will allow Love to develop with both the Trail Blazers and their G League affiliate, giving the rebuilding franchise a low-risk, high-reward look at a player known for his scoring prowess.
Sixers Add All-ACC Guard Hunter Sallis
The Philadelphia 76ers also dipped into the undrafted free agent pool, signing decorated Wake Forest guard Hunter Sallis to a two-way contract. Sallis, a two-time All-ACC first-team selection, was a potent scorer for the Demon Deacons after beginning his college career at Gonzaga. In his final collegiate season, he averaged an impressive 18.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. Like Love, Sallis will now have an opportunity to prove he belongs at the next level. While two-way players don’t drastically change a team’s title odds, their development is tracked closely on the league’s rising stars leaderboard and can provide unexpected value throughout the season.
Looking Ahead to Summer League
With these contracts signed, the next stop for players like Caleb Love and Hunter Sallis will likely be the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. It will be the first chance for fans and team executives to see how their collegiate success translates to the professional game as they compete for a future roster spot. As more free agents sign in the coming weeks, the championship odds and scores for the 2025-26 season will continue to fluctuate, making this one of the most exciting times of the year for NBA fans.
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