For the first time in his career, Matisse Thybulle is set to become an unrestricted free agent, following a multi-year run with the Portland Trail Blazers.
The former Philadelphia 76ers‘ defensive standout will be available on the open market as an intriguing defensive-minded wing.
It’s unclear what’s next for Thybulle. The Blazers have shown a ton of interest in him over the past couple of years by trading for him and offering up a new contract beyond his rookie deal.
Portland’s interest in retaining him is currently sealed. But if they want him back, Thybulle seems to be on board with the idea.
Matisse Thybulle Addresses Interest In Returning To Portland
GettyJaylen Brown and Matisse Thybulle
“I would love to be a part of this team again,” Thybulle said recently, according to The Oregonian.
“A great group with a lot of potential. Good people. I talk about this with, like, my friends and even the older players on the team who’ve been traded; I don’t know if everyone on this team fully realizes how good of a group we really have, because you can get a couple bad eggs that spoil it for everyone. But we don’t have anything close to that. And just the level of care and just the quality of character we have in our locker room is something that’s really nice to be a part of. So, me personally, I would love to be here and continue growing with this team.”
Expectations Staying In Check
GettyMatisse Thybulle #22 (L) and Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers.
The ball is in Portland’s court, but they simply can’t sit back and match any offer thrown at Thybulle this time around.
The veteran defensive standout doesn’t seem to have a verbal commitment from the Blazers, so he is keeping expectations in check.
“I don’t have expectations,” Thybulle admitted. “I don’t really know how the whole proper free agency thing goes. I was a restricted free agent before, but this is very different. Expectations? Don’t have any, don’t know what to expect.”
Thybulle just wrapped up a three-year, $33.07 million deal. He played in just 45 games over the past two seasons. With his offensive limitations and lack of availability beyond his first full season with the Blazers, Thybulle could be looking at short-term deals on a prove-it basis.
Don’t rule out the Blazers. And who knows, maybe the 76ers as well. After all, the executive responsible for Thybulle’s unwanted trade out of Philly is no longer in the picture.
Thybulle was the Sixers’ 20th pick in 2019. He spent four seasons with the 76ers, getting traded after 49 appearances in 2022-2023. Throughout his career, Thybulle has averaged 5.0 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.1 assists, and 1.6 steals.