#Sixers Trade Defensive Specialist #MatisseThybulle For #Hornets' #JalenMcDaniels

Sixers Trade Defensive Specialist Matisse Thybulle For Hornets' Jalen McDaniels

The Philadelphia 76ers made a trade Thursday night that will give them more depth at the wing. They traded Matisse Thybulle to the Portland Trail Blazers in a three-team deal.

The Sixers also acquired Jalen McDaniels from Charlotte in the deal. In doing so, they dipped below the NBA’s luxury tax line and added a versatile forward who can contribute in the playoffs.

Trade Details

Thybulle is one of the most effective defensive players in the NBA, averaging 2.7 steals per 36 minutes this season. He's also an elite defender in space and a very good rim protector.

The Sixers traded him to the Blazers in a three-team deal, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. Philadelphia will get Hornets small forward Jalen McDaniels in return, as well as the second-round picks New York's 2024 and Portland's 2029.

McDaniels is a long, versatile forward in his early 20s who has shown that he can be a threat from deep and is a fine wing defender. He is a better shooter than Thybulle and could be a good rotation player.

However, this move does little to address the glaring wing depth issues the Sixers have. They are already short on bigs and are likely going to need to improve their bench this season. Adding another wing with potential to contribute could help them get past their mid-February slump, but that's probably not what team president Daryl Morey is looking for at this stage of the season.

Meanwhile, Thybulle's shooting touch from the outside never developed, so he is unlikely to provide much in the way of offense to the 76ers. And that's a huge problem for a team that is desperate to win.

With a couple of other significant holes to fill, the Sixers need to do something about this if they want to make the playoffs. They should consider moving Thybulle in the summer to create some wiggle room under the luxury tax, which will be in effect this season.

While Thybulle's defense is a major reason why the Sixers acquired him in the first place, his shooting isn't good enough to be an adequate scorer for them. His shooting numbers are still far below what he had in his first three years with the team, and the team hasn't made a big splash at the trade deadline in recent years.

Getting rid of Thybulle for McDaniels is a risk, but the deal will give the team some hope that they can make up for the lost value by finding another defensive-minded wing in the future. It's also a gamble that the Hornets aren't going to want to re-sign him at the end of this season, and it could allow the Sixers to acquire a top-five pick in the 2019 draft in exchange for him.

Signing McDaniels

Adding Jalen McDaniels isn't a huge surprise in light of the Sixers' recent moves, but he's a wing who is capable of defending both threes and fours while also being more versatile on offense than Matisse Thybulle. He's 6-foot-9 and athletic with a long wingspan, which means he can protect the rim while playing on both sides of the floor, so his addition will be beneficial in the Sixers' switch-heavy lineups.

The 25-year-old McDaniels has been a solid contributor for Charlotte this season, averaging 10.6 points and 4.8 rebounds in 26.7 minutes. The former 52nd overall pick has been a consistent threat from beyond the arc (he's hit 64.5 percent of his three-point attempts this season) and has a willingness to shoot.

While McDaniels' 3-point shooting has been a bit of a work in progress this season, he's shooting better than Thybulle and has a chance to be a solid contributor on both ends of the floor for the Sixers in the future. He also adds a potential defensive upgrade over Thybulle in terms of his ability to force turnovers and rebound well for his position.

McDaniels will be a free agent after this season and the Sixers are holding his Bird rights, which would make it easier for them to sign him. He will help them in the long run on both ends of the court, especially if they are able to re-sign Joel Embiid or P.J. Tucker to long-term deals in the summer of 2021, but he's likely not going to be a significant upgrade over Thybulle.

The Philadelphia 76ers are making their first major move of the trade deadline by trading Matisse Thybulle to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Jalen McDaniels and one of their own second-round picks, according to Kyle Neubeck of PhillyVoice. It’s a move that fits with Daryl Morey’s overarching philosophy of getting more two-way players.

Morey is always looking to get more players who can play on both ends of the court, and the 76ers are in need of a better backup five spot on the bench, which will be difficult for them to fill if they want to keep Joel Embiid or P.J. Carter in the fold for a playoff run.

Signing Mykhailiuk

The New York Knicks have added a sweet-shooting wing with a partially guaranteed one-year contract. Former Kansas standout Svi Mykhailiuk has signed with the team, according to Shams Charania of The Athletic.

The 6-foot-8 Mykhailiuk, who was born in Cherkasy, Ukraine, has been a solid shooter throughout his career. A sniper on the perimeter, Mykhailiuk has averaged eight attempts from deep per 36 minutes during his four-year NBA tenure.

He was a part of a Jayhawks team that made it to the Final Four in 2018. He spent time with the Toronto Raptors last season, but the organization parted ways with him after his poor efficiency.

Now that Mykhailiuk is on a new team, it's possible he'll be able to find his feet and have a positive year in the league. Roberts, who worked with Mykhailiuk for four seasons at Kansas, is confident in the player's ability.

Mykhailiuk was a part of a Jayhawks’ team that reached the Final Four in 2018 and played for Ukraine at FIBA EuroBasket 2022. He had 17 points, five rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.2 steals in six games for the Ukrainian national team, which earned a silver medal.

His career-high 35 percent from deep hasn't gotten him many looks at the pro level, but he can make tough shots. He also has a good feel for the game and knows how to play defense.

It's possible he could find himself playing more than the limited role he currently occupies on the Knicks, but it's also likely that he won't see much time in the NBA again after this stint in New York. That said, Mykhailiuk still seems like a talented shooter who will be a welcome addition to the team's rotation.

He's a great fit for a New York team that needs to get more outside shooting on its roster. Hopefully Mykhailiuk can find a way to stick in New York and be an asset to the franchise in the future.

The Knicks have a number of wings and shooters on their roster. It's a bit unclear how this signing fits into the team's depth needs, but it's a sign of the team's willingness to be flexible in order to add players to their roster.

Future

Daryl Morey has a clear vision for the future of the Philadelphia 76ers. He's built his team to make a deep playoff run this season, and that includes adding more players who can play both ends of the floor, so it's no surprise that he swapped out defensive specialist Matisse Thybulle for well-rounded wing Jalen McDaniels.

The 25-year-old McDaniels has been a productive player this season for the Charlotte Hornets, as he's averaging 10.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists while shooting 44.7 percent from the field and 32.2 percent from three. He's also a good shot-blocker, as he's in the 87th percentile for that category.

While McDaniels isn't quite as accomplished as his brother Jaden, he's still got the potential to be an All-Star. He averaged a steal and 0.9 blocks per 36 minutes while shooting 38 percent from deep last season, and he's a long-term project that should be able to develop into a solid defensive wing for the 76ers.

He's also very versatile, so he can play both guard and small forward roles. He's 6'9 and has a big wingspan, which will allow him to play in the paint with Joel Embiid or P.J. Tucker, and his jumper is still a work in progress.

Morey said Thybulle has the ability to be a Defensive Player of the Year. He's one of the most dynamic perimeter defenders in the league, but his shooting struggles have made him more of a specialist than a starter on the wing.

The Blazers have a lot to play for this season, and they need a wing who can give them the same type of help on the other end of the floor that Thybulle provided in Philadelphia. This deal is a major win for both sides, and it could go a long way towards helping the 76ers reach their goal of winning a title in the 2023-24 NBA season.

It's a move that will put the Sixers below the NBA's luxury tax threshold, and it's another piece in a stacked 76ers rotation. It will also be a smart move for Morey, as it allows him to add a defensive-minded player without sacrificing any future draft picks.

Philadelphia 76ers Sending Matisse Thybulle to Portland Trail Blazers in 3-Team Deal

Two-time All-Defensive pick Matisse Thybulle is being traded by the Philadelphia 76ers to the Portland Trail Blazers in a 3-team deal that also includes the Charlotte Hornets, per Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. In addition to Thybulle, the Sixers acquired Hornets forward Jalen McDaniels and multiple second-round picks from Portland in the trade.

Trade Details

Philadelphia 76ers forward Matisse Thybulle has been traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in a 3-team deal that also includes the Charlotte Hornets, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. In exchange, the 76ers have received forward Jalen McDaniels and second-round picks, while the Hornets have sent guard Svi Mykhailiuk to Portland.

The 25-year-old Thybulle, who played his college ball at Washington, has been a top-10 wing defender in the NBA in each of his first three seasons. He was named to two All-Defense teams in those years and averaged 4.5 steals and 1.7 blocks per game last year, helping the 76ers rank 20th in defensive rating.

Thybulle, who will turn 26 in October, is an above-average on-ball defender with a strong wingspan and good shot from deep. He does not have a lot of offensive skill, however, and is averaging a career-low 2.7 points in 12.1 minutes per game this season.

He is averaging 43.1 field goal percentage and a career-low 33.3 percent from three this season, both of which are well below his career marks. He isn't a great facilitator and rarely finds room for penetration in a league that emphasizes spacing on offense.

Despite his lack of ability to penetrate, Thybulle's ability to create havoc on the defensive end is why the 76ers brought him in this offseason. They're looking to build a team that can make it out of the first round, and Morey has noted how crucial it is for players to be able to play both ends of the floor during playoffs.

This move should help Philadelphia improve its depth on the bench and in general add a much-needed veteran presence. The Hornets, meanwhile, will receive a young player who is still a work in progress on both ends of the floor in McDaniels.

It's unlikely the Hornets will use McDaniels, but he could come in handy during the playoffs if they make a run. He's a versatile big man who isn't afraid to take a couple of shots from three, and the 76ers might consider adding him in a trade down the road.

McDaniels

The Philadelphia 76ers are making a big move before Thursday’s trade deadline, as they announced they’re sending Matisse Thybulle to the Portland Trail Blazers in a 3-team deal that also included the Charlotte Hornets. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted that the deal will include McDaniels as well as veteran wing Svi Mykhailiuk, and it will send Thybulle to the Blazers in exchange for second-round picks from both teams (Woj adds that the Hornets will flip Mykhailiuk to Philadelphia).

The deal seems like a good fit, given that the Hornets were willing to part with Thybulle for Cam Reddish this week. While Thybulle’s shooting numbers have dipped, he’s still an excellent defensive player who should get plenty of minutes on the wing in Portland.

He was a top-100 asset in 9-cat formats last season, and he should be able to replicate that production this year with the Blazers. However, he will need to be consistent with his minutes in order to have any impact on fantasy lineups.

One concern with McDaniels is his foul-prone nature, which could limit his value in fantasy leagues. He’s averaging 3.4 fouls per game this season, ranking only behind Towns and P.J. Tucker in that regard.

Fortunately, he does have some upside as a shooter. He made 32.2 percent of his three-pointers this season, but he can improve those numbers.

As the season has progressed, he’s started to take more shots from outside and become a more reliable threat in deeper formats. His rebounds have been up, though he still doesn’t get enough touches to play a significant role in the offense.

It’s too early to tell whether McDaniels will be able to carve out an extended role in the Sixers, but he’s currently averaging 10.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals in 26.7 minutes per game this season. He’s a solid option for teams that are trying to move forward without a superstar.

McDaniels is a player that can be a valuable commodity for a team in need of a high-volume scorer in the paint. He’s a decent backup in deep leagues, and he can be useful in matchups against the Celtics or Bucks this postseason.

Thybulle

The Philadelphia 76ers are sending defensive stalwart Matisse Thybulle to the Portland Trail Blazers in a 3-team deal with the Hornets. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Blazers will acquire Thybulle from the Sixers while also acquiring Jalen McDaniels from Charlotte. The Hornets will also receive multiple second-round picks in the trade.

For the Blazers, Thybulle is a logical fit with their lack of frontcourt depth, and he addresses one of their major needs. The 6-foot-5 wing is a two-time All-Defensive team honoree and averaged 9.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 2.2 blocks last season in 25.5 minutes per game.

While he’s an elite defender, Thybulle’s offensive production has been underwhelming. He’s shooting just 32.4% from three-point range and has failed to take advantage of his length in the paint.

But he’s a proven all-defensive player and his value on the other end of the floor is high, which means he could be a logical trade candidate for teams looking to upgrade their defensive core. This is especially true given the fact that he will be a restricted free agent after this season.

Meanwhile, the Sixers are looking to clear cap space and this move will help them do so. The 76ers have a lot of money committed to their roster, but they don’t have as much cap room as many other teams and that has sparked rumors about possible trades, including the possibility of dealing away Tobias Harris in an attempt to clear out some of the extra funds.

On the other hand, he hasn’t shown that he can contribute on the offensive end of the floor and the Sixers would probably prefer to let him go without giving up too much in a trade. Regardless, the trade market is incredibly deep and he’s likely going to be a target in a number of future deals.

Having spent the past few years working to improve his individual game, Thybulle may be able to show some progress in this next year. If he can make the most of his limited playing time this season, he’ll have a better chance of proving that he can be an important part of any postseason rotation.

Picks

Thybulle is an all-NBA defensive second-teamer who leads the league in steals per 36 minutes. He also has an impressive knack for playing well against opposing point guards, but he struggles to space the floor and isn’t as effective from the three-point line as he once was.

He’s a solid option off the bench, but he’s hardly a top-five fantasy player this season. He’s averaging just 2.7 points and 1.3 rebounds in 12.1 minutes of play.

Despite the mediocrity of his scoring outputs, Thybulle’s play on the defensive end of the court makes him a valuable asset for a team in need of a rim protector. He has a career RAPTOR of 1.06, and he’s been an excellent pick-and-roll defender this year.

But Thybulle has never gotten off to a hot start in the NBA, and his offensive development has been slower than expected. He’s averaging just 12.1 minutes per game this season, and he hasn’t hit double-digits in any of his last 14 games.

His shooting numbers are a big part of why he’s a limited value in most leagues, as his career 32.5 percent mark from the arc isn’t enough to make him a reliable starter. As a result, he’s seen his playing time cut in half this season.

The Sixers have traded Thybulle to the Blazers in a three-team deal that also includes the Hornets, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. In return, the Sixers will acquire Hornets forward Jalen McDaniels and multiple second-round picks.

As a wing, McDaniels should be a good fit for the Sixers. He’s a 6-foot-9 forward who can fill in for a lackluster wing rotation and should add some size and athleticism to the roster.

The Blazers have a lot of talent on the wing, but they need a solid defender and Thybulle can help that cause. He’ll also provide a much-needed rim protector on the defensive end, which is crucial for Portland to stay competitive against teams that have a strong frontcourt. This move will help them get under the luxury tax threshold and bolster their chances of getting back into the postseason.

NBA Trade Deadline: Matisse Thybulle to Blazers Jalen McDaniels to 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers made a trade on Thursday afternoon that dipped below the luxury tax line and added a wing to their rotation. The team sent two-time All-Defensive pick Matisse Thybulle to Portland, while acquiring Charlotte Hornets forward Jalen McDaniels.

Thybulle is a preternatural gambler who is a highly productive player on the defensive end, racking up 2.7 steals per 36 minutes this season. He’s also a valuable asset on the glass and a consistent contributor off the bench.

Portland Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers are making a big trade at the deadline. They’ve acquired Matisse Thybulle from the Philadelphia 76ers in a three-team deal that also sends Jalen McDaniels to Philadelphia.

This was a big move for the Blazers as they’re in need of more depth at the wing. The Thybulle-McDaniels combo gives them some much-needed rotation depth and athleticism.

Thybulle hasn’t been playing well this season but has a solid defensive track record. He was named to the All-Defensive second team twice during his time in Philadelphia and averaged 1.5 steals per game.

He will be a huge addition to the Portland defense which has been one of their weak points this year. They’re currently ranked 26th in defensive rating so getting some help on that end will make them a more formidable team to play against.

The Sixers also received some draft capital in this trade which they can use to help them with their future free agent signings. The team managed to duck below the luxury tax line while still acquiring a young player that could be a factor in their playoff rotation.

The 76ers also acquired McDaniels who has a solid defensive track record and can score from multiple positions. He’s averaging 10.6 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists this season for Charlotte. He’s a 25-year-old who will have a year left on his contract. He can also help with some of the rim protection duties for the Sixers, which has been an issue this season.

Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors have been busy this season reshaping their roster, with general manager Masai Ujiri looking to refocus on the long-term goals of the franchise. With the NBA trade deadline a few days away, the Raptors are reportedly looking to add to their roster.

The Raptors are expected to trade Matisse Thybulle, Jalen McDaniels and Svi Mykhailiuk. The Trail Blazers will acquire Thybulle from Philadelphia, and the Sixers are expected to acquire McDaniels from Charlotte in the deal.

While he has struggled to make a big impact this season, Thybulle still has some intriguing skill sets that will benefit the Blazers. The 25-year-old is a solid defender, and his size gives the team another dynamic wing to run alongside Damian Lillard.

However, Thybulle is a one-dimensional player who struggles to find his groove on offense. The Raptors could consider trading him to a team that needs an offensive upgrade.

If they do end up moving Thybulle, they may be able to pick up a young wing with a ton of upside in Gary Trent Jr. The Raptors have been interested in acquiring Trent since he entered the league, but the player has taken a major dip in his production this season.

With a young wing like this, the Raptors would be able to get an excellent player without paying too much. The team also has a good amount of salary cap space to work with, as well.

The Philadelphia 76ers have also been on the lookout for a wing this season, and their trade with the Charlotte Hornets will allow them to do so. The 76ers will receive Thybulle from Portland and Jalen McDaniels from the Hornets in the deal, along with a number of second-round picks. The deal also allows the 76ers to duck below the luxury tax threshold, which will help them bolster their rotation.

Brooklyn Nets

The Brooklyn Nets took a big step backwards by trading Kyrie Irving on Sunday, but that doesn't mean they've given up on improving the team ahead of Thursday's trade deadline. ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported on NBA Countdown that the team is still actively seeking trade deals and has a number of assets to use in them.

The Nets have already made one trade this week, sending Kessler Edwards and cash to Sacramento in a deal that opens up a roster spot for them to use in other deals. This isn't a major trade, but it will save Brooklyn $8 million in salary and luxury taxes for the rest of the season.

They're also acquiring another young player, forward David Michineau. He's a promising prospect who hasn't really played that much this season.

Meanwhile, the Nets have also gotten a promising three-and-D wing in Dorian Finney-Smith and a big guard in Spencer Dinwiddie, both of whom are potential All-NBA players. And with an incoming unprotected future first-round pick (2029) and two seconds (1927 and 2029) in the deal from Dallas, they have a lot of assets to dangle in trades.

But the biggest question surrounding the Nets is whether they'll be able to keep all of their talent on the roster this year. With a big free agent class coming up, the Nets will need to make sure that they're able to lock up the best players before the market for them goes away.

Thybulle is a good candidate for that, as he's a pesky defensive standout who can be an effective scorer when he gets his minutes. He's also a versatile player who can play both off the ball and on the block.

New York Knicks

The New York Knicks are in the thick of things in the playoff picture, but they still need to improve their team. In order to do that, they have to make a trade before the 2023 NBA trade deadline.

With that in mind, the team has a few different options to try and help them out. For starters, they could look to add a shooter.

While the team has a lot of wing players on their roster, they lack one who is capable of scoring. There are several wing players on the market that the Knicks could consider trading for.

A good candidate to consider would be Toronto's Gary Trent Jr.

The 24-year-old shooting guard is averaging 18.7 points and leads the Raptors in 3-point percentage, and he can also attack the rim on closeouts. He's also not a stiff on defense, which is a need the Knicks have at the moment.

Another wing player that's worth watching is Detroit's Saddiq Bey, who has seen a lot of time in the G League this season. He's a veteran who hasn't been with the Pistons long and is coming off a strong performance in the postseason.

There's also OG Anunoby, who has been out of the rotation in Toronto but is still playing well. He's averaging 11.8 points per game, and while he doesn't have much size, he's capable of scoring from the perimeter.

Regardless of which player the Knicks decide to target, it should be a win-win situation. The players are likely going to be able to move on in the summertime, and the team can reclaim some of the draft assets they may have lost. It's a great way to fill out the team without having to pay too much in the process.

Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers have been exploring options to improve their roster and prepare for a deep playoff run. General manager Daryl Morey and the front office will likely be busy over the next few days, making sure the team is ready to compete for a title this season.

They have intriguing complementary players in a variety of positions, including defensive stalwart Matisse Thybulle, big-swingman Furkan Korkmaz and rising star Jalen McDaniels. But they also have questions at the backup center spot, which could be a linchpin to their success.

A trade that brings in a backup center would free up some money for the Sixers to make another move at the deadline. The team could try to get a package together that includes a future first-round pick, though they may not be willing to trade one of their own distant first-rounders until 2029.

While the 76ers are confident that they can win this season, they also need to be thinking about what their long-term plan is going forward. That includes keeping their core intact with Joel Embiid and James Harden, but they must also consider how to maximize their resources to help them win in the future.

In the meantime, they should take advantage of this stretch run and try to add some depth at the bench. That could mean trading Thybulle, who is a restricted free agent in July, or even giving Joe Harris a chance to show that he can be a starter.

The 76ers traded Thybulle to the Portland Blazers for a potential future All-Star and a second-round pick in exchange for McDaniels, a former top-five pick who has improved from his freshman year at San Diego State. The move also enabled the 76ers to eliminate salary and drop below the luxury-tax threshold. This will give them the opportunity to surf the buyout market and upgrade their bench in the coming offseason.

Philadelphia 76ers Trade Matisse Thybulle to Portland Trail Blazers in Three-Team Deal

The Philadelphia 76ers have traded Matisse Thybulle to the Portland Trail Blazers in a three-team deal. In return, the Sixers will acquire forward Jalen McDaniels and a pair of second-round picks, according to Adrian Wojnarowski.

As a two-time All-Defensive team member, Thybulle will address one of the Blazers' major needs: defense. The Blazers are ranked 26th out of 30 teams in defensive rating, so adding a defensive-minded wing player like Thybulle will help them get back on track.

Trade Details

The Philadelphia 76ers have traded Matisse Thybulle to the Portland Trail Blazers in a three-team deal. The 76ers also acquired Charlotte Hornets forward Jalen McDaniels and draft picks in return.

Thybulle is a two-time All-Defensive guard, but his role with the Sixers was drastically reduced this season. He has appeared in only 49 games this year and averages a career-low 12.1 minutes per game.

A defensive master, Thybulle’s perimeter defense has helped the 76ers rank 30th in the NBA in defensive rating this season. He has a good shot to jump into the starting lineup for the Blazers and give them some much-needed help on the defensive end.

But Thybulle is still a long way from being an effective offensive player. In fact, his field goal and three-point percentages are both well below his career averages. He has struggled to get comfortable slashing on the wing, which limits his effectiveness and prevents him from creating space for teammates to attack the basket.

That’s why the 76ers needed to send Thybulle elsewhere and make a move to address a need on their roster. They were close to trading him to the Dallas Mavericks, but that deal fell through after they reportedly demanded a first-round pick in return.

With the trade to Portland, Thybulle can finally get back to playing a significant role on a team that features two All-Stars in Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons. If he can re-establish himself on the offense, the Blazers can hope to improve their standing in the Western Conference and potentially get into the playoffs.

The 76ers traded Thybulle and a 2023 protected first-round pick to the Portland Trail Blazers in he three-team deal. They also received Charlotte Hornets forward Jalen McDaniels in the trade, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

McDaniels is a 25-year-old forward who gives the 76ers some depth in their forward rotation. He has been a valuable contributor for Charlotte this season, averaging 10.6 points and 4.8 rebounds per game.

He is a talented defender who will be able to play off of Lillard’s gravity on the defensive end and provide a great addition to the Trail Blazers. The Blazers are in the doldrums and need help in several areas, but they can still make a run at the playoffs with a strong finish.

Trade Agreement

The 76ers are parting ways with Matisse Thybulle after he failed to live up to expectations this season. The two-time All-Defensive second team selection will head to Portland as part of a trade that also includes the Charlotte Hornets, per Adrian Wojnarowski and Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report. In addition to sending Thybulle to Portland, the 76ers are also sending forward Jalen McDaniels and several draft picks.

The Trail Blazers are in desperate need of some help on the defensive side of the ball, especially with Damian Lillard and Anfernee Simons having been traded to Brooklyn. They’re 26th out of 30 teams in defensive rating, which means they’ve got a lot to improve upon, and acquiring Thybulle will certainly help them do that.

He’s a preternatural gambler, and he’s made the All-Defensive Second Team in each of his first three seasons. He’s also a great shot blocker and is among the top 20 players in blocks and steals per 36 minutes, per Cleaning the Glass.

As far as Thybulle’s offense goes, he’s been struggling to make shots this year. His scoring average has dropped to 2.7 points per game, and he’s shooting just 43 percent from the field.

But he’s been a terrific rebounder and he does a good job of distributing the ball to teammates on the other end. The Blazers aren’t a very good offensive team, but they’re still playing well enough to have a shot at making the playoffs.

Adding a player like Thybulle, who can also contribute on the defensive end of the floor, will make Portland’s defense better and their chances at making the playoffs stronger. They’re currently in the final play-in spot and are looking to put together a deep playoff run in the stretch run of the season.

This deal is a win-win for both sides, as it gets Philadelphia below the luxury tax line and allows them to add a backup center to their roster without breaking the bank in the process. It also provides a better shot at getting a top draft pick in the future, which could be useful in helping the 76ers improve their future roster.

Signing

The Philadelphia 76ers have traded Matisse Thybulle to the Portland Trail Blazers in a trade with the Charlotte Hornets, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported Thursday. The 76ers will receive forward Jalen McDaniels and a 2023 second-round pick from the Hornets, according to Wojnarowski.

Thybulle, 25, is in his fourth NBA season and has primarily been a part of the Sixers’ offense this year, averaging career lows in points (2.6), rebounds (1.3) and assists (0.5). The 25-year-old also is shooting 43.1 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three-point range.

He was a second-team All-Defensive selection in two of his first three seasons, and he averaged 1.1 blocks per game last year. However, Thybulle has struggled in the playoffs over the last few years, and his playing time has been largely cut back as the Sixers look to build depth on the wing.

Despite Thybulle’s excellent defense, his perimeter shooting has been a concern for many teams, and it will be interesting to see how he fits in with the Blazers. He’s averaging 2.7 points and 1.3 rebounds in 12.1 minutes this season.

This is a significant move for the Blazers as they hope to improve their defensive end of the floor, which was the team’s Achilles heel last season and led to them falling short of a title. The addition of Thybulle will help the Blazers bolster their rotation on the wing.

With the Sixers, he played 12.1 minutes per game this season and made 48 appearances. He was a solid player, but his lack of perimeter shooting forced him to be an off-the-dribble shooter.

The Sixers hoped to make the most of Thybulle’s expiring contract, which has a player option for the 2020-21 season. However, they were unable to extend him ahead of the deadline, so he became a restricted free agent.

The Sixers have a few spots open on their roster, so they could have signed a backup center in the buyout market. Having eliminated Thybulle’s $4.37 million salary, they are now under the luxury tax threshold. The addition of McDaniels should help them build a strong roster and prepare for a deep postseason run.

Future

The Philadelphia 76ers have traded Matisse Thybulle to the Portland Trail Blazers in a three-team deal that also sent Jalen McDaniels to the Sixers. The move comes on the eve of the Trade Deadline and as part of a larger deal that will send Svi Mykhailiuk to Charlotte in exchange for a pair of second-round picks and the rights to the New York Knicks' 2024 second-round selection, according to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports and Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

The move seems like a smart one for both teams involved. The 76ers are getting a defensive-minded player at the forward spot and McDaniels is an athletic 6'5 player who is willing to shoot, but has less of a 3-point shot than Thybulle. He can also help on the glass (the Sixers rank 26th in offensive rebounding rate and 19th in defensive rebounding rate).

On the other hand, Thybulle has been struggling to score this season, averaging fewer points than he did last year. He has also logged career-lows in rebounds, assists, steals and blocks this season. He should get a bigger role in Portland and his numbers should improve as he fits into the Blazers' defensive scheme.

As for the 76ers, McDaniels gives them some scoring pop on the wing that would have been hard to find in their current rotation with Ben Simmons and James Harden. He also forces turnovers and helps the team's defensive rebounding rate. He's a solid fit with the team's top two players, and his Bird rights could be useful in the future.

Another reason to consider the deal is that it will likely make Philadelphia a little more competitive in the East. Portland is 27-28 this season and in the midst of a playoff push. The Blazers will need to do a lot of things right in order to qualify for the postseason. They'll need to continue improving on offense, and this trade will give them some of that.

With all that said, it's important to remember that the 76ers are still young. They have a talented core of players who can contribute to the future, and they have some promising prospects in their pipeline. If they can keep all of these players healthy, there's no reason why they won't be a championship-caliber team in the near future.