Despite being very short on resources, the Philadelphia 76ers are looking for improvements on the bench after the close of trading. However, remember that apart from a first-round pick in 2029, they are limited in what they can trade. In fact, they’d probably be better off keeping that choice for now. Additionally, they are only allowed to trade second-round picks for the years 2023 and 2029. Then it will be difficult for them to add a game changer to the roster with the limited number of assets they have available to trade. Still, here we’ll look at the players the Sixers need to move ahead of the 2023 NBA trade deadline, including Matisse Thybulle.
The Sixers lack prospects that would appeal to other teams. For now, Thybulle is the best option, but its value may already have gone down. Note that players who are not in the regular rotation are unlikely to generate positive trade value. On the other hand, the core of this team is playing well and they don’t urgently need to trade for upgrades. You may be looking for another forward or backup big man. However, the latter could also be found in the buyout market.
Financially, the team is tight and close to the salary limit. That makes it likely that any trade would involve a pay cut. They also have luxury tax concerns and will likely try to stay under that this season to avoid the repeat tax in 2024-25. With Joel Embiid’s supermax deal, the Sixers look set to continue being heavy taxpayers next season.
With that in mind, let’s look at the players the Sixers need to move ahead of the 2023 NBA trade deadline.
2. Furkan Korkmaz
Furkan Korkmaz is in the second year of his three-year contract and earns $5 million. He could be a potential trade candidate as he is not currently part of the team’s rotation. Still, it’s uncertain if the team would want to trade him. Instead, the Sixers may be reluctant to take moves that prioritize saving money over building a competitive team. However, keep in mind that Korkmaz has not played a constant role in the team since late 2022. This is due to the team’s ever-changing rotation and their recent illness. In fact, he’s deep in the bank and has only played four games this month. Nonetheless, Korkmaz could still garner some value in the trading market. The Sixers lose nothing by trying to search him, and if successful they might get some assets to use.
1. Matisse Thybulle
Remember when Matisse Thybulle was previously considered one of the Philadelphia 76ers’ top young players and trade activists? Yes, we may already have done that. Keep in mind that he has struggled to retain a spot in the team’s rotation this season. The addition of De’Anthony Melton, who offers similar defensive skills and shooting ability, has made Thybulle pretty much redundant for the team.
.@MatisseThybulle stays ready. pic.twitter.com/MoZh6pF3Ng
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) December 22, 2022
However, other teams that need perimeter defense might be interested in trading for him. Keep in mind that he’s still only 25 and has multiple positions to defend. It’s possible that with enough shooting and playmaking around, Thybulle could still be a positive influence on another team.
As such, some potential trading options for the Sixers include Orlando’s Gary Harris and Phoenix’s Jae Crowder. Harris is a strong defender and reliable shooter, while Crowder offers more size and toughness, although he’s not as consistent as a shooter.