NBA Rumor: Matisse Thybulle Trade?
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76ers would entertain trading Matisse Thybulle
Thybulle is certainly not untouchable and the Sixers would entertain moving him, but the idea that they would dump him strictly for salary reasons (as has been reported elsewhere) doesn’t carry any weight. Thybulle is extension-eligible this offseason but is poised to make under $4.5 million this year, a number that would hardly make a dent in the tax bill if they shipped him out.
Bulls interested in Matisse Thybulle
The Sixers could look to get off Matisse Thybulle’s contract to create some wiggle room under the luxury tax, which looms large over the team’s offseason, and one team with known interest, according to league sources, is Chicago. Bulls GM Marc Eversley has had a fondness for Thybulle going back to early in his collegiate career at Washington, and was instrumental in pushing the Sixers to acquire him in the 2019 draft.
A deal would likely require a third team if Philadelphia’s goal is to save money under the tax, but the Bulls would be a strong suitor if Thybulle is available.
Daryl Morey: Keeping Tyrese Maxey and Matisse Thybulle was critical
Tom Moore: #Sixers Daryl Morey says keeping Tyrese Maxey and Matisse Thybulle in James Harden trade ‘was critical. Tyrese could be an all-star. Thybulle could be #NBA Defensive Player of the Year after Joel wins it first.’
Ian Begley: People in touch with BKN on Thursday morning said club was comfortable with keeping James Harden on roster post-trade deadline if PHI didn’t meet its asking price. BKN wanted Matisse Thybulle, didn’t get him but found deal they liked to send Harden to PHI: pic.twitter.com/n2JjRVAHGl
Nets seeking Matisse Thybulle in James Harden trade
Ian Begley: Source with knowledge of PHI-BKN dynamic says Nets have been seeking Matisse Thybulle in a James Harden package.
Keith Pompey: According to sources, the #Sixers are refusing to put Matisse Thybulle in the deal with the #BrooklynNets for James Harden. That’s the hold up. All other issue are agreed upon.
Jake Fischer: Brooklyn has called rival teams gauging trade interest in Matisse Thybulle, sources said, in the scenario the Nets are able to acquire the swingman from Philadelphia.
Ian Begley: In addition to the Matisse Thybulle element, source with knowledge of the PHI-BKN dynamic says Sixers have been open to including draft compensation in talks centered around James Harden deal.
Frank Isola: Ben Simmons, Seth Curry a first and a second round pick is the Sixers offer, according to a source. The addition of Matisse Thybulle could get it done.
The Sixers have been adamant about not packaging their young standouts Tyrese Maxey and Matisse Thybulle. The trade deadline is at 3 p.m. Thursday. Sources say the teams spoke Thursday morning. One source said Sixers co-owner Michael Rubin is involved in the situation and that the Nets are asking for a lot.
Matisse Thybulle being mentioned as part of Harden-Simmons trade
Multiple league sources have said that Thybulle’s name has been mentioned as part of a potential deal for James Harden ahead of Thursday’s 3 p.m. NBA trade deadline. One source said Seth Curry and a first-round pick have been mentioned along with Thybulle. A person close the Sixers disputed the package centered around Simmons for Harden.
One league source said the Sixers are unwilling to part ways with their young stars, Thybulle and second-year point guard Tyrese Maxey.
Nets want Matisse Thybulle and Tyrese Maxey in potential Harden-Simmons trade
Jordan Schultz: League sources: #Nets have asked #Sixers for both Matisse Thybulle and Tyrese Maxey to be included in a potential James Harden – Ben Simmons trade. Brooklyn also has tangible interest in sharpshooting guard Seth Curry, a career 44 percent 3-point shooter.
Appearing on ESPN’s Get Up, Brian Windhorst said things are “trending” in the direction of the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers working out a deal: “The teams are absolutely engaged in trade discussions. I know that there’s people saying things on the record, trying to act like that’s not happening, but it is absolutely happening. There is definite motivation from both sides to make this fall into place. The Sixers were out there yesterday having trade negotiations with other teams looking to clear roster spots, looking to move other players on their roster—including Tobias Harris—in what looks like ancillary moves to support a James Harden arrival.”
If a deal is to get done, it will hinge on the particulars apart from Simmons and Harden. As has been reported elsewhere this week, the Sixers have sent a loud and clear message that Tyrese Maxey won’t be included in a deal at the deadline, sources say, and have been nearly as clear that Matisse Thybulle and his defensive talents aren’t going anywhere.
Kevin O’Connor: My understanding is that, from Philadelphia’s standpoint, there’s no chance they give up Tyrese Maxey, Matisse Thybulle is unlikely in that deal, it would be more like an older player like a Danny Green.
Sixers to pursue James Harden, Nets open to the idea
With the NBA trade deadline just days away on Feb. 10, the 76ers are expected to pursue Harden in the coming days and the Nets are believed to be open to discussing a deal, sources with knowledge of the situation tell The Athletic. There’s expectation that both the 76ers and Nets will engage in dialogue on a deal around Simmons for Harden this week, multiple sources say, with Philadelphia holding a chest of role players in Seth Curry, Tyrese Maxey and Matisse Thybulle that could sweeten a potential package.
Still, there’s no urgency for Nets officials, who have had the steadfast belief that the current core, as is, has the means necessary for a championship. However, it’s believed that an opening exists should an offer elevate the team and make the roster more well-rounded as the franchise pursues a championship.
But beyond availability, sources say there have been growing concerns over Harden’s playing style — one of dominant ball-handling and his own pace from his MVP and All-NBA days in Houston — that contrasts with the free-flowing, organic approach from his two co-stars.
Nets coach Steve Nash has met with his team’s stars over finding the balance and most beneficial styles, and although there have been bright spots, too often the team has reverted to a more dry offense at the end of games, especially against the league’s elite teams. In addition, the Nets’ game plans tend to shift depending on when Harden is on and off the floor, meaning a different play style at certain points. This has also been a point of contention from the coaching staff and players, sources said.
The 76ers want to find a star player able to elevate their championship chances this season, and rival teams believe the team will wait on moving Simmons until they find that caliber of player. There’s no question: Harden suffices the threshold. And his history with Morey fuels the 76ers with confidence that the pairing of Harden and MVP favorite Joel Embiid has tremendous title odds.
One source said Sacramento is considering to package Buddy Hield, Tyrese Haliburton, Harrison Barnes and two first-round picks for Simmons, Harris and Matisse Thybulle. However, the source said the Sixers aren’t interested in that package.
Another source said the Sixers haven’t received a formal trade offer at this time. The source added that none of those talks have involved Thybulle or any of the Sixers’ other young players. Speaking of Thybulle specifically, the source added the second-team All-Defensive selection is close to being untouchable.
But, intent on getting Simmons, a source said the Kings are trying to find a way to acquire Harris, who’s also a power forward. They would either trade for him or find a third team willing to take Harris in a multi-team trade, according to a league source. At this time, the two sides have not gained any significant traction on a deal ahead of the Feb. 10 deadline.
Sources have told Heavy.com that Sacramento has done due diligence on Simmons, as well as Matisse Thybulle and Tobias Harris. The Sixers are said to want a major package for the 25-year-old Simmons, but they may also be looking to get out from under the $76.9 million owed Harris over the next two seasons.
Sixers not willing to part with Matisse Thybulle
The Raptors would like Sixers rookie guard Tyrese Maxey or second-year shooting guard Matisse Thybulle included in a package for Lowry. However, a league source said the Sixers aren’t willing to part ways with Thybulle, one of the league’s best young defenders.
Philadelphia has also received calls on standout defender Matisse Thybulle from several teams around the league, sources told HoopsHype. Some general managers across the league believe the inclusion of Thybulle in a trade offer could swing the bidding for Lowry’s services, but the 76ers are reluctant to part with him.
Chris Haynes: Houston Rockets are also requesting Philadelphia 76ers defensive specialist Matisse Thybulle in a trade package for James Harden, league sources tell Yahoo Sports.
One player whom the Rockets and 76ers have discussed in potential packages is 2019 first-round pick Matisse Thybulle, with Houston having interest in the defensive-minded forward, sources said.
Kyle Neubeck: With some LaVine rumors already out there today, quick note — Bulls GM Marc Eversley was a big advocate in the Sixers’ draft room for Matisse Thybulle. Scouted him for at least a couple of years. No indication Philly is making him available, but keep your eye on it.
The Sixers have limited assets to include in any trade. Second-year wing Zhaire Smith is the young player they’re most willing to part with, which should come as no surprise since he is struggling to score efficiently in the G League. Opposing teams would prefer to acquire stellar defensive rookie Matisse Thybulle, but league sources say the Sixers would be (understandably) reluctant to deal him. As for draft picks, the Sixers own all of their firsts from 2021 and beyond, plus two high seconds in 2020 courtesy of the Hawks and Knicks. They’ll also receive Oklahoma City’s protected 2020 first if it falls outside the top 20; most likely, they’ll end up with the Thunder’s seconds in 2022 and 2023.
June 25, 2022 | 1:38 pm EDT Update
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