NBA Trade Rumors: 76ers' Matisse Thybulle Close to 'Untouchable' in Ben Simmons Talks
The Philadelphia 76ers could make a blockbuster trade before the Feb. 10 trade deadline, but guard Matisse Thybulle is not expected to be on the move.
According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Thybulle is "close to being untouchable" in trade talks.
This comes as the 76ers contemplate trades involving three-time All-Star Ben Simmons and second-leading scorer Tobias Harris. Pompey reported the Sacramento Kings are considering a deal for Simmons and Harris in exchange for Buddy Hield, Tyrese Haliburton, Harrison Barnes and two first-round picks.
Thybulle averages only 5.8 points per game, but he makes a significant impact with his defense. The 6'5" player can defend multiple positions and disrupts opponents with his 1.8 steals and 1.1 blocks per game.
He was named second-team All-Defensive last season despite mostly coming off the bench and averaging just 20 minutes per game. With a bigger role in 2021-22, he could be looking at first-team honors this season.
The guard ranks fourth in the NBA in defensive box plus/minus, trailing only superstars Draymond Green, Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
A shoulder injury has caused Thybulle to miss the past two games, but it's clear the 76ers think highly of the 24-year-old.
Philadelphia still needs more help around Joel Embiid with the squad sitting just sixth in the Eastern Conference standings entering Wednesday.
