The Matisse Thybulle era in Philadelphia is over. They are moving him in a 3-way trade involving the Trail Blazers and Hornets. The final details of the deal are still coming out, but the Sixers are getting Hornets Big Man Jalen McDaniels back in the trade.
The Sixers are getting Jalen McDaniels in the deal, source tells ESPN. https://t.co/QzftWxYQ65
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 9, 2023
Thybulle has at times been a fan favorite. But the lack of progression in his offensive game, and him missing games in the playoffs because of his vaccination status, left fans and the team frustrated. But despite those issues on offense, he has been a very highly touted defender. Thybulle even made the All-NBA Second Team Defense squad two seasons in a row. And even this season, you have seen at times how he can change the game on the defensive end when in games. But the lack of offense makes it hard to use him a ton on the floor.
They will receive 6 foot 9 Forward Jalen McDaniels back in the deal. McDaniels was in his 4th season with the Hornets. He will be entering free agency this off-season. he does not bring the defensive presence Thybulle provided. But he does average 10.7 points per game off the bench for them, so he should bring more to the table for the Sixers than Thybulle did from that side of the floor. He shot 38% from behind the 3-point line last year, but that has dipped to 32% this season.
The Sixers’ lack of future picks, due to trades and the NBA penalizing them this offseason, has left them with not many trade assets to work with. But they have now made at least one move, trading away some defense off the bench for more offense instead. We will see if they make any more moves before the deadline. But for now, they have added an athletic big man to bring off the bench.
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