Trade & FA 2024-25:

[dirkfansince1998]

Yeah, I got really excited when I saw the Portland rumor, because my first thought was about Grant.

Then, my second thought was about DeAndrea Ayton, and that excitement turned to terror in an instant.

Then, I remembered the Thybulle thing, and it’s very likely that that is what this rumor is about, if it’s true. VERY likely. My take on Thybulle is well documented around here, so I wouldn’t love it, but I would like it a hell of a lot more than Tobias Harris. As a bench player, I’m not sure he can really hurt you that badly. Worst case scenario is he gets played out of the playoff rotation, just like Hardaway did. No harm no foul there (unless you give up a pick or Hardy or something stupid). And, he probably makes your defense a little bit better during the regular season as he eats innings. Who knows, maybe he will shoot better than I think, just like Jones did, but he is definitely not a solution to what got the Mavericks bounced out of the finals, that’s for sure. Still, I don’t hate it as much as I hated penciling him in as the starter at the three last season when that offer went out.

You know that I usually join you on the spacing is key crusade but I am super intrigued by the potential of a three headed defensive monster. Thybulle is even better than DJJ and PJ on that end and I think he would be a great fit in Kidd's scheme. There is no better/more active off ball defender in the league. Looking at tracking numbers Thybulle is in a league of his own when it comes to deflections, steals/36. For a team that likes to overload a player that covers a lot of ground, plays the gaps and passing lanes is the perfect fit.