76ers’ Matisse Thybulle drawing Warriors trade interest
Report: Dubs interested in 76ers defensive star Thybulle originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
The NBA’s trade deadline is Feb. 9, and the Warriors are reportedly ready to add guard depth while improving their perimeter defense.
Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported Wednesday, citing sources, that the Warriors had internal conversations about 76ers guard Matisse Thybulle.
Golden State values Thybulle’s qualities as a defensive scorer, which would bring a different look to the group. The Western Conference is filled with talented guards such as Ja Morant of Memphis and Jamal Murray of Denver, whom the Warriors will have to stop if they want to repeat as NBA champions.
Thybulle’s role in the Sixers has diminished this season due to his below-average shooter and tendency to foul in big moments. Additionally, Philadelphia brought in De’Anthony Melton, PJ Tucker, and Danuel House Jr. during the offseason. As a result, Thybulle’s minutes were affected.
He went from starting 50 games and averaging 25.5 minutes per game last season to just starting six games and averaging 12.1 minutes per game this season, stepping into the action of Wednesday.
Philadelphia could also consider leaving the Washington product, as he is a restricted free agent. Additionally, the Sixers reportedly have little faith in Thybulle as a playoff-caliber shooter, so they could be looking to recoup assets in a trade that can help them in their Eastern Conference playoff run.
As for the Warriors, a potential trade for Thybulle could allow him to become more of a cutter than a shooter in Coach Kerr’s movement offense, with Steph Curry and Klay Thompson filling those roles.
Kerr talked about defending Golden State during games and how difficult it is to defend in the NBA right now. So it’s no surprise that the reigning NBA champions are looking to a defensive-minded player.
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Although the Warriors are having internal discussions about trading Thybulle, who was the 20th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, they are not alone. The Sacramento Kings would attempt to beat their Northern California rivals for the defensive specialist.
The story continues
It will be interesting to see if either of the Western Conference opponents can land Thybulle and whether or not that pays off with a deep playoff streak this spring.
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