Some NBA teams have a wealth of options. They’ve got an endless supply of assets. The only question is how they’ll use them. On the other hand, some teams will have to get creative if they want to make a move.
Take the Milwaukee Bucks. This team is almost entirely drained of assets. That’s not a criticism. The Bucks are legitimate title contenders. They spent their assets because that’s what they’re supposed to do.
Yet, this team could still use some help. The Bucks’ once elite defense has fallen off in 2023-24. Flipping Jrue Holiday for Damian Lillard is likely the explanation.
Could acquiring Matisse Thybulle from the Portland Trail Blazers help?
NBA Trade Idea
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F/C Bobby Portis, G/F MarJon Beauchamp
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: G/F Matisse Thybulle, C Moses Brown
If you have options, there’s a decent chance that you’re not a very good team. Most of the league’s best teams have spent their assets. With that said, that isn’t a universal rule – there are exceptions.
Look at the Oklahoma City Thunder. They’re at the top of the Western Conference standings. They also have the most draft capital in the NBA. Meanwhile, the other teams near the top of the Conference are mostly depleted of first-round picks.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mattise Thybulle, Portland Trail Blazers, Milwaukee Bucks Updates
Out East, the Bucks find themselves in the same position. They’re one of the best teams in the league. Still, the competition is stiff.
Does adding Thybulle do enough to move the needle for Milwaukee?
Why The Milwaukee Bucks Do The Deal
We think so. Thybulle is among the best defenders in the NBA. There’s a widespread perception that he’s an offensive liability. Fans may want to update their thinking. Thybulle is shooting a solid percentage from long-range for the second season in a row.
Still, it’s his defense that the Bucks are after here. Thybulle is one of the most disruptive defensive playmakers in the league. He can play the passing lanes and make on-ball steals. Thybulle can block shots, and he’s an excellent help defender. He should make the Bucks a better team.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mattise Thybulle, Portland Trail Blazers, Milwaukee Bucks Updates
Sure, they’ll miss Portis. Yes, it stings to cut ties with a promising young player in Beauchamp. If the Bucks are landing Thybulle, it’ll be worth both of those compromises.
Should the Blazers part with Thybulle?
Why The Portland Trail Blazers Do The Deal
In some respects, Beauchamp resembles Thybulle. Sure, he’ll be lucky to ever get to his level on defense. With that said, Beauchamp could be a more dynamic offensive player when he reaches his prime.
This is a young player who’s had limited opportunities in the league. That’s a consequence of playing for the contending Bucks. On the other hand, the rebuilding Blazers could be the perfect team to give Beauchamp some run. This young core could use a defensive-minded wing.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mattise Thybulle, Portland Trail Blazers, Milwaukee Bucks Updates
They don’t need Portis. With that said, the Blazers could move him for additional assets when the offseason comes. Alternatively, they could keep him as a veteran mentor. In the end, the Blazers will have options.
