The Los Angeles Lakers are not done making roster moves following their surprising acquisition of Deandre Ayton. According to ClutchPoints Senior Lakers insider Anthony Irwin, the team is aiming to “reignite trade talks” during the 2025 NBA Summer League in Las Vegas — and one intriguing name on their radar is Matisse Thybulle of the Portland Trail Blazers .
Los Angeles Lakers Eye Matisse Thybulle Amid Trade Rumors
Matisse Thybulle, currently on the final year of his contract worth $11.5 million, has reportedly drawn interest from the Los Angeles Lakers. As Jedd Pagaduan notes, “Thybulle is someone the Lakers have checked the availability of,” adding further intrigue to LA’s offseason maneuvering.
Though no deal is imminent, there’s optimism from the Lakers’ side that Portland may be open to moving the Australian 3-and-D wing, especially given his injury history and the team’s crowded wing depth.
Proposed Trade Details
Here’s a breakdown of the trade framework being floated:
From a value standpoint, Thybulle holds the edge — he’s five years younger than Kleber and has made notable strides in his offensive game. Last season, despite appearing in just 15 games, Thybulle shot an impressive 43.8% from three-point range on 3.2 attempts per game.
Matisse Thybulle’s Upside and Injury Concerns
While Thybulle’s shooting improvement is encouraging, his availability remains a concern. He missed most of last season due to persistent lower-body injuries, starting with a knee issue in October followed by a severe ankle sprain. He eventually returned in March and made a defensive impact, averaging 2.2 steals per game.
According to PBP Stats, the Trail Blazers were over three points better per 100 possessions with Thybulle on the floor — a testament to his elite defensive instincts.
Why the Blazers May Hold On
Portland is quietly assembling a formidable defensive lineup, having brought in Jrue Holiday to lead the charge. With defensive-minded players like Toumani Camara, Deni Avdija, Jerami Grant, and Thybulle, the Blazers could form one of the more suffocating defensive units in the league.
That reality complicates any trade scenario for the Lakers, as the Blazers may prefer to keep Thybulle rather than trade him for relatively lower-value assets.
Lakers’ Calculated Risk: Don’t Overpay
The Lakers, meanwhile, are expected to stand firm in what they’re willing to offer. Though Dalton Knecht could fetch a higher return, LA is saving him for a bigger trade splash. The current proposed offer — Kleber, Milton, and a 2032 second-round pick — represents the upper limit of what the team would give up for Thybulle.
Maxi Kleber, despite his stretch-big appeal, has missed 132 games over the last three seasons, raising red flags about his durability. Shake Milton appears to be outside the current rotation and is considered expendable. As for the second-round pick, 2032 feels like a lifetime away — especially in LeBron James’ twilight years, where every roster decision is critical.
Other Names in the Mix?
Portland might test the Lakers’ resolve by asking for Jarred Vanderbilt or Gabe Vincent, but that seems unlikely. Both were key contributors in the previous season and provide value in ways that LA would be reluctant to part with for a role player like Thybulle. At best, Vanderbilt could be a trade chip if the team absolutely needed to sweeten the deal, but that scenario remains improbable.
As the Lakers look to add defensive depth while preserving flexibility for a bigger move down the line, Matisse Thybulle represents a calculated risk. His injury history is concerning, but when healthy, he could bring immense value to a team looking to shore up the perimeter on defense.
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Why Swapping Kyle Kuzma for $90 million Chicago Bulls Star Makes Sense for the Milwaukee Bucks
As Jedd Pagaduan puts it, “Thybulle would give the Purple and Gold another defensive weapon and a de facto replacement of sorts for Dorian Finney-Smith.” Whether the Lakers can strike a deal on their terms remains to be seen — but the Summer League trade window may provide the perfect stage to make it happen.
Los Angeles Lakers Eye Matisse Thybulle Amid Trade Rumors
Matisse Thybulle, currently on the final year of his contract worth $11.5 million, has reportedly drawn interest from the Los Angeles Lakers. As Jedd Pagaduan notes, “Thybulle is someone the Lakers have checked the availability of,” adding further intrigue to LA’s offseason maneuvering.
Though no deal is imminent, there’s optimism from the Lakers’ side that Portland may be open to moving the Australian 3-and-D wing, especially given his injury history and the team’s crowded wing depth.
Proposed Trade Details
Here’s a breakdown of the trade framework being floated:
From a value standpoint, Thybulle holds the edge — he’s five years younger than Kleber and has made notable strides in his offensive game. Last season, despite appearing in just 15 games, Thybulle shot an impressive 43.8% from three-point range on 3.2 attempts per game.
Matisse Thybulle’s Upside and Injury Concerns
While Thybulle’s shooting improvement is encouraging, his availability remains a concern. He missed most of last season due to persistent lower-body injuries, starting with a knee issue in October followed by a severe ankle sprain. He eventually returned in March and made a defensive impact, averaging 2.2 steals per game.
According to PBP Stats, the Trail Blazers were over three points better per 100 possessions with Thybulle on the floor — a testament to his elite defensive instincts.
Why the Blazers May Hold On
Portland is quietly assembling a formidable defensive lineup, having brought in Jrue Holiday to lead the charge. With defensive-minded players like Toumani Camara, Deni Avdija, Jerami Grant, and Thybulle, the Blazers could form one of the more suffocating defensive units in the league.
That reality complicates any trade scenario for the Lakers, as the Blazers may prefer to keep Thybulle rather than trade him for relatively lower-value assets.
Lakers’ Calculated Risk: Don’t Overpay
The Lakers, meanwhile, are expected to stand firm in what they’re willing to offer. Though Dalton Knecht could fetch a higher return, LA is saving him for a bigger trade splash. The current proposed offer — Kleber, Milton, and a 2032 second-round pick — represents the upper limit of what the team would give up for Thybulle.
Maxi Kleber, despite his stretch-big appeal, has missed 132 games over the last three seasons, raising red flags about his durability. Shake Milton appears to be outside the current rotation and is considered expendable. As for the second-round pick, 2032 feels like a lifetime away — especially in LeBron James’ twilight years, where every roster decision is critical.
Other Names in the Mix?
Portland might test the Lakers’ resolve by asking for Jarred Vanderbilt or Gabe Vincent, but that seems unlikely. Both were key contributors in the previous season and provide value in ways that LA would be reluctant to part with for a role player like Thybulle. At best, Vanderbilt could be a trade chip if the team absolutely needed to sweeten the deal, but that scenario remains improbable.
As the Lakers look to add defensive depth while preserving flexibility for a bigger move down the line, Matisse Thybulle represents a calculated risk. His injury history is concerning, but when healthy, he could bring immense value to a team looking to shore up the perimeter on defense.
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Why Swapping Kyle Kuzma for $90 million Chicago Bulls Star Makes Sense for the Milwaukee Bucks
As Jedd Pagaduan puts it, “Thybulle would give the Purple and Gold another defensive weapon and a de facto replacement of sorts for Dorian Finney-Smith.” Whether the Lakers can strike a deal on their terms remains to be seen — but the Summer League trade window may provide the perfect stage to make it happen.
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