The Portland Trail Blazers signaled they were serious about embracing the tank earlier this summer, when they decided to offload one of their current top guards, injury-prone 2023 Sixth Man of the Year Malcolm Brogdon, and a chunk of draft pick equity to the Washington Wizards in exchange for 23-year-old forward Deni Avdija.
But there are still plenty of overqualified and overpaid veterans who can still be traded for young players and/or draft picks.
Matisse Thybulle, a two-time All-Defensive Team member, winger and fullback with $22.6 million remaining on his cap over the next two seasons, could be a player worth trading. On a deep roster with wingers who focus primarily on offence, Thybulle makes a lot of sense as a goalie. On a team that is thinking about the future, the 27-year-old is wasting his time.
With guards Shaedon Sharpe, Scoot Henderson and possibly Anfernee Simons (assuming he sticks around) all in line for big minutes increases in 2024-25, along with forwards Avdija and Toumani Camara, it seems entirely possible that Thybulle finds himself on the outside of Portland’s rotation.
In a new room, Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints proposes that the 6-foot-5 wing be traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for power forward Georges Niang, guard Ty Jerome and two second-round picks. Cleveland, which finished 48-34 and advanced to the second round of the Eastern Conference playoffs last year, has yet to sign restricted free agent Isaac Okoro, a good but not great defensive wing. Thybulle would be an upgrade.
“Matisse Thybulle is often overlooked because he’s not the best offensive talent on the wing, yet he shot 34.6 percent from distance last season and showed signs of improvement in his shooting,” Siegel wrote. “The question is whether or not Portland will ask for a first-round pick like they have with other players in recent months. Thybulle, given his lack of production, shouldn’t be viewed as a first-round pick-worthy asset right now. But then again, his defensive effort makes him an All-Defensive type talent on the wing.”
Siegle notes that while a first-round pick for Thybulle seems like a questionable move, it seems conceivable that the Trail Blazers could easily get by with two second-round picks. Could Portland still get a first-rounder in a trade to get rid of centers Deandre Ayton or Robert Williams III? In the case of the former at least, it seems entirely possible.
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