Matisse Thybulle, restricted free agent
As a former top 20 pick from the 2019 NBA Draft, Mattise Thybulle had all the tools to develop into a true difference-maker for the Philadephia 76ers. But after struggling to find his footing through the first three and a half years of his career, the Sixers decided to trade him to the Portland Trail Blazers at the deadline.
With a big decision on a contract extension on the horizon, the Sixers believed it was time to move on than have to make that big obligation for a player that hadn’t hit his potential. In a slightly bigger role in Portland, Thybulle did have some encouraging stretches. That said, he’s still very much a work in progress and I’m not sure the Blazers are willing to invest in him moving forward. As he hits free agency, he’s another player the Miami Heat could look to target as a reclamation piece.
It’s easy to see why Thybulle would have fans in the Heat’s organization. For all his difficulties, he’s still been a pretty versatile defender and has flashed the ability to be a consistent 3-point shooter. If you get Thybulle in the Heat’s developmental system, there’s a good chance that he could continue to evolve and perhaps could even develop into the player that many thought he could be coming out of college.