Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens are on the verge of completing one of the biggest transfers of the European offseason after reaching an agreement with French star forward Guerschon Yabusele.
According to HoopsHype insider Michael Scotto, Yabusele has agreed to a three-year contract with the Greek powerhouse, paving the way for his return to Europe after two seasons back in the NBA.
Free agent forward Guerschon Yabusele has agreed to a three-year deal with Panathinaikos, league sources told @hoopshype. Yabusele will be one of the top three highest-paid European players. He’s averaged 8.3 points over the past two NBA seasons with the 76ers, Bulls and Knicks. pic.twitter.com/UjfAxXy5S0
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 8, 2026
The deal represents a major coup for Panathinaikos. Yabusele had repeatedly stated his desire to remain in the NBA, but the financial package and the prominent role offered by the Greek club proved impossible to ignore. Reports indicate that he will become one of the three highest-paid players in European basketball.
After reviving his NBA career with the Philadelphia 76ers in 2024-25, Yabusele secured a two-year, $11.2 million contract with the New York Knicks. However, his stay in New York failed to meet expectations, as he was limited to a reserve role and averaged just 2.7 points in 41 appearances.
A midseason move to the Chicago Bulls revived his fortunes. Given a larger role, Yabusele averaged 10.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists while shooting 38.3 percent from three-point range. Despite the improved production, the NBA market did not offer the long-term opportunity he was seeking, making a return to Europe increasingly attractive.
Before his NBA comeback, Yabusele established himself as one of EuroLeague’s elite forwards during his highly successful stint with Real Madrid. He played in three consecutive Final Fours, helped Madrid win the 2023 EuroLeague title, and developed into one of the competition’s most versatile and impactful frontcourt players.
Now, Panathinaikos appears ready to bring that experience and talent to Athens. Following the arrivals of Brancou Badio and Isaac Bonga, the Greek champions continue to strengthen an already loaded roster featuring stars such as Kendrick Nunn, Kostas Sloukas, Mathias Lessort and Juancho Hernangomez.
If finalized, the signing of Yabusele would be one of the defining moves of the summer and another clear statement of Panathinaikos’ ambition to return to the top of European basketball.