What’s Next for Matisse Thybulle and the Blazers? A Defensive Ace in Limbo
Matisse Thybulle has logged just four games this season for the Portland Trail Blazers - a surprising stat for a player who, when healthy, brings elite-level defense and a growing offensive toolkit. With unrestricted free agency just months away, and no clear timetable for his return, Thybulle’s situation is one of the more intriguing subplots in Portland’s stretch run.
The 28-year-old wing, who’s been battling a thumb injury and now knee tendinopathy, hasn’t suited up since early in the season. While he’s not the only Blazer dealing with injuries, his prolonged absence has been particularly puzzling, especially considering what he brings on the defensive end.
Trade Deadline Passes, Thybulle Stays Put
There was some quiet buzz leading up to the trade deadline about whether Portland might look to move Thybulle - especially given his expiring $11.6 million contract and the team’s need to create room for two-way players like Sidy Cissoko and Caleb Love. But the deadline came and went, and Thybulle remains on the roster with 30 games left in the regular season.
Now, the question becomes: What’s the best path forward?
If Thybulle does return this season, it’s hard to imagine him playing in more than a dozen or so games - not unlike the 15 he managed last year. But if his recovery stalls or the Blazers need to clear roster space, a buyout or waiver isn’t off the table.
A Reminder of What Thybulle Brings
It’s easy to forget just how impactful Thybulle can be when healthy. He’s a two-time All-Defensive Team selection who has consistently ranked in the 98th percentile or higher in steal rate and above the 92nd percentile in block rate among wings. That’s not just good - that’s elite.
At 6-foot-5 with a seven-foot wingspan, Thybulle is tailor-made for the modern NBA’s switch-heavy defensive schemes. He’s got lightning-quick lateral movement, elite anticipation, and a knack for making plays that shift momentum. You don’t have to squint too hard to see how his presence could’ve helped Portland reach closer to its preseason defensive ceiling.
Offensively, he’s never been a volume scorer, but there have been flashes. During his brief stint last season, he knocked down 45% of his non-corner threes - a small sample size, yes, but enough to raise some eyebrows.
For his career, he’s averaging 4.9 points on 34.5% from deep, but since arriving in Portland at the 2023 trade deadline, those numbers have ticked up to 6.1 points on 37.3% shooting from three. Add in 2.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.8 steals, and you’ve got a player who makes his presence felt even in limited minutes.
Roster Crunch: Who Makes Way?
Here’s where things get complicated. Cissoko has already played 47 of his 50 allowable games as a two-way player.
Love has appeared in 43. The Blazers are running out of time to keep them active without promoting them to the full roster - which means someone has to go.
Rayan Rupert’s minimum deal makes him a logical candidate to be converted to a two-way contract, freeing up a spot. But if Portland wants to keep both Cissoko and Love around, a second roster move may be necessary. That’s where Thybulle - and possibly Kris Murray - come into the picture.
Murray has shown enough promise to likely stick around for now, especially if he can get back on the floor soon. Thybulle, on the other hand, remains a question mark. If he can’t return soon or isn’t part of the team’s long-term plans, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Portland part ways to make room for the young guards.
Free Agency Looms
If Thybulle remains on the roster through April and manages to get back on the court, his value in free agency could rise. He’s unlikely to command a deal near the $15.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception he once signed, but a healthy return could put him in the $7-8 million per year range - a figure many teams could reach using a portion of their mid-level.
That puts the ball in Thybulle’s court. If he wants to stay in Portland - where he played his high school and college ball - he might be able to work out a team-friendly deal. But if he’s looking for a fresh start or a bigger role elsewhere, there will likely be suitors.
The Road Ahead
The next few months are pivotal for both Thybulle and the Trail Blazers. First, there’s the roster math: If Portland wants to keep Cissoko and Love active, someone has to be moved. Whether that’s Rupert, Thybulle, or another injured player will depend on health, performance, and long-term vision.
Then comes free agency. If Thybulle can get back on the floor and show he still has that defensive edge - and maybe even build on the offensive improvements he’s flashed since arriving in Portland - he could carve out a meaningful role, whether in Rip City or elsewhere.
At 28, he’s still in his prime. And if his body cooperates, there’s no reason to think he can’t once again be one of the league’s most disruptive defenders. For now, though, he remains in limbo - a talented wing with a lot to offer, waiting for the chance to prove it again.