PHILADELPHIA — The Matisse Thybulle era is over in Philly.
On Thursday, the 76ers agreed to part ways with the two-time, second-team All-Defensive selection in a three-team trade in exchange for a player whom they think can better help them contend for an NBA title.
The team acquired Charlotte Hornets forward Jalen McDaniels and draft picks in the trade that will send Thybulle to the Portland Trail Blazers. The Blazers will in turn send the New York Knicks’ Svi Mykhailiuk to the Hornets. The team agreed to the deal for the Thursday trade deadline.
In addition to McDaniels, the Sixers will receive the Knicks’ 2024 second-round pick and the Blazers’ 2029 second-rounder. The team will give up their 2023 second-round pick to Charlotte.
The Sixers were in search of a wing and backup center to make a deep postseason run.
McDaniels, 25, fills one of those needs. The fourth-year wing player is averaging career highs in points (10.6), steals (1.2) and minutes (26.7) this season.
While his value had dropped recently, Thybulle remained the best asset with which the Sixers were willing to part ways. And based on his role, there was no guarantee that he would get postseason minutes for the Sixers.
So this was a solid move for the Sixers and Trail Blazers. The Sixers got help at a position they coveted while the Blazers picked up a lockdown defender.
Thybulle is averaging career lows in points (2.7), rebounds (1.3), assists (0.5), steals (0.9), blocks (0.3), and minutes played (12.1).
