The 2023 NBA trade deadline is now a little over a week away on Thursday, February 9, and just like that the rumor mill is heating up. So far, there hasn’t been much news about the potential blockbusters, but there are plenty of players available that could help the contenders strengthen their teams in the long term.
Here’s a look at the latest news from around the league:
Matisse Thybulle’s defensive capabilities were never in question; The 76ers winger made the All-Defensive Second Team in 2021 and 2022, and finished fourth in the league in steals last season at 1.7 per game. However, whether he could do enough on offense to stay grounded and make his defense worthwhile has always been a matter of debate.
While the Sixers have tried to make it work in the past, they haven’t been interested in making it this season. Thybulle dropped to just 12.1 minutes per game, only making starts here and there. With an uncertain restricted free agency approaching this summer, the team can look to move him at the deadline.
If so, he would have suitors, including the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings, according to Philadelphia Inquirer. The Warriors have been short of defensive-minded wingers since the loss of Gary Payton II and Otto Porter Jr. In the summer, while the Kings could really use a defensive stopper as they push through the playoffs.
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The New York Knicks’ roller coaster season is heading downhill again, as they have lost six of their last eight games to drop back into seventh place in the Eastern Conference at 27-25. They are still just two games behind from Miami Heat for a top six finish, however, and for being one of the most active teams on the deadline day; It’s no secret that they want to get back into the playoffs after missing out on last season.
To this point, they are interested in Detroit Pistons Your friend suite per SNY. The Pistons had a disastrous season and are currently in last place in the Eastern Conference at 13-39. Everyone assumes they’ll become a sellout by the deadline, and teams have been making calls about a number of their players – most notably Bojan Bogdanovic.
It remains to be seen if Bey is on the move, but with only a year remaining on his contract after this season, there is probably a deal to be made. It seems likely that the Knicks, or any other team, will really have to make it worth the Pistons in the meantime. While Bey may not have improved as much as the team would have hoped since his rookie season, he’s still a big physical winger who’s racked up 37 percent in catch and catch 3s this season, and rebuilding teams aren’t so keen on that. Letting players like that go.
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