The Philadelphia 76ers are a team many people are going to have their eyes on this NBA offseason. Despite making a blockbuster trade for James Harden at the deadline this year, they fell short once again in the postseason, losing in the second round for the fourth time in five seasons.
Daryl Morey is going to be on the hunt for upgrades, as Philadelphia is reportedly looking to add a third star to the mix alongside Harden and Joel Embiid. Some would say they could already have one on their hands in Tyrese Maxey, who broke out in a big way during his sophomore season with expanded playing time.
Bradley Beal of the Washington Wizards has been a name mentioned often about being the third star heading to Philadelphia. More recently, Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls has emerged as a potential target as well.
If LaVine is who they set their sights on for a sign-and-trade, there is already one player that Chicago reportedly has their eyes on acquiring; Matisse Thybulle.
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According to Sean Deveney of Heavy.com, the Chicago Bulls have ‘known interest’ in the defensive-minded wing.
“The Sixers could look to get off 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.”
That third team mentioned as being required would likely be a franchise with the cap space to take on Tobias Harris. The 76ers were scouring the market at the deadline to see if a landing spot would emerge for him and will likely do the same again this offseason.
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Thybulle was a seemingly untouchable player at this year’s deadline, but the Philadelphia 76ers’ stance could very well change in the summer. He has a long way to go offensively, as his 3-point shooting has actually regressed from his rookie season. The ultimate swiss army knife on defense, Thybulle has to bring something else to the table to get consistent rotation minutes.
Selling his 3-and-D potential shouldn’t be too hard, as he is still only 25-years old with an elite defensive profile. The Bulls struggled on that end of the court last season and would certainly welcome Matisse Thybulle into their rotation as an upgrade.
