by The 2023 NBA trade deadline is now just over a week away on Thursday, February 9, and as such the rumor mill is heating up. So far, there hasn’t been much news about potential blockbusters, but there are plenty of players available who could help contenders strengthen their teams for the run.
Here’s a rundown of the latest league news:
Matisse Thybulle’s defensive abilities have never been questioned; the 76ers wing 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 can do enough in attack to stay on the pitch and make his defense worthwhile has always been up for debate.
While the Sixers have tried to make it work in the past, they’ve been less interested in doing so this season. Thybulle is down to just 12.1 minutes per game and has only made punctual starts here and there. With uncertain restricted free agency approaching this summer, the team may be looking to move him at the deadline.
If so, he will have suitors, including the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings, according to the Philadelphia plaintiff. The Warriors have lacked defensive wings since losing Gary Payton II and Otto Porter Jr. this summer, while the Kings could really use a defensive stopper as they make their playoff push.
Knicks watching Bey
The New York Knicks’ roller-coaster season is heading downhill again, as they’ve lost six of their last eight games to fall back to seventh place in the Eastern Conference at 27-25. However, they are still only two games behind the Miami Heat for a top-six berth and appear as one of the most active teams at the deadline; It’s no secret that they want to get back to the playoffs after missing last season.
At this point, they’re interested in Detroit Pistons wing Saddiq Bey, per SNY. The Pistons have had a disastrous season and currently sit last in the Eastern Conference at 13-39. Everyone assumes they’ll be sellers by the deadline, and teams have been making calls about a number of their players, including Bojan Bogdanovic.
Whether Bey will be on the move remains to be seen, but with only a year on the contract after this season, there may be a deal to be had. It seems likely that the Knicks, or any other team, will really have to make it worthwhile for the Pistons. While Bey may not have improved as much as the team would have hoped since his rookie season, he’s still a big physical wing who’s made 37% on 3 catch-and-shoots this season, and teams rebuilders aren’t eager to let players go like this.
