BREAKING: Matisse Thybulle To Sign Offer Sheet With Western Conf. Contender

 


Defensive specialist Matisse Thybulle came into the summer as a restricted free agent, as the Portland Trail Blazers gave him the qualifying offer of $6.275M. But the Blazers haven't yet worked out an extension for the two-time All-Defensive Team selection, and now, the pressure is on. 

According to a number of insider sources, Thybulle is about to sign an offer sheet from the Dallas Mavericks, another team struggling to find its defensive identity. 

We're still waiting on the contract details, though the wing earned $4.4M on the last year of his rookie contract this past season. The Blazers will have 48 hours to match the offer sheet, or let Thybulle go.

The 26-year-old had a dreadful start to last season with his former team, the Philadelphia 76ers, scoring just 2.7 points per game while shooting a miserable 33% from long range. He admitted that he was playing in "fear" in Philly last year. 

But his trade to Portland at the deadline seemed to restore some juice, and he finished the year in the Pacific NorthWest by averaging 7.4 points, 3.5 rebounds and 38.8% on threes in 22 games with the Blazers. 

We shall have to wait 48 hours after the signing to see if Portland will be matching, or Thybulle will add some much-needed perimeter D in Big D. 

Photo: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports