According to veteran NBA correspondent Marc Stein, the Sacramento Kings have been calling about a couple of players to shore up their bench production and defense: Matisse Thybulle of the Philadelphia 76ers and Mason Plumlee of the Charlotte Hornets. In the same note, Stein also shared the unsurprising news that Monte McNair has made two under-performing pieces available in Richaun Holmes and Alex Len:
“Sources say that Atlanta has joined Sacramento as a confirmed suitor for Philadelphia’s Matisse Thybulle.”
“Sources say Sacramento has inquired about the availability of Charlotte’s Mason Plumlee. The Kings are known to be shopping both Richaun Holmes and Alex Len while likewise hoping to make a defensive-minded upgrade or two in advance of the club’s first playoff appearance in (no misprint) 17 seasons.”
Thybulle and Plumlee are both names that have been bandied about the fan base as potential upgrade options for the Kings, and it seems as though the front office is aligned with those theories. From a bench wing perspective, Thybulle may represent the best value for Sacramento, as he’s fallen far from grace in Philadelphia, averaging a career-low 12.1 minutes per game, alongside several DNP-CDs, meaning his acquisition cost should be relatively low. He’s an imperfect player who produces just about nothing on the offensive end of the floor, but the second-ranked offense in the NBA may be able to sustain his lack of scoring or passing abilities, especially when considering they’re also the twentieth-ranked defense. Thybulle will enter the summer as a restricted free agent, a status that would allow the Kings to match any contract thrown his way, offering Sacramento complete control of the 25-year old’s future.
Alongside the bench wing position, Domantas Sabonis’ backup has also been a massive concern for Sacramento this season, and Mason Plumlee would solve a myriad of problems for Mike Brown. He’s averaging a career-high in points (12.3), rebounds (9.7), and assists (3.7), and his ability to act as a very, very, very poor man’s version of Sabonis from the high-post would grant the Kings consistency in playing style no matter who manned the center spot. Plumlee is by no means a defensive stopper or rim protector, but he would still provide a major upgrade from Sacramento’s current disaster of a rotation at the backup five. The only downside to Plumlee may be his age and contract status, as he’ll turn 33 in just a few weeks, and he’s an unrestricted free agent this summer, but the Kings would inherit his full Bird Rights, allowing them to go over the cap to offer just about any contract they wished, assuming both sides wish the partnership to continue.
With the Kings lack of significant assets at hand, the chances of them adding a big-name, starting-caliber type player at the deadline is relatively low, but that sort of acquisition isn’t necessarily what they may need at the moment either. Shoring up the lack of options at backup wing and backup center would go a long way toward pushing the Kings deeper into the postseason picture, and Matisse Thybulle and Mason Plumlee would both go a long way in filling those rather large holes in the rotation.
If the Kings can somehow land Thybulle and Plumlee without giving up much in the way of assets or core rotation players, I’ll be over the moon.
For Thybulle, it is rumored that the 76ers are in the market for a backup center to Embiid. All they really have no with Harrell, who isn’t cutting it. They could be a nice landing spot for Holmes or Len. Additional contracts will be needed to match Holmes deal, and the inclusion of Korkmaz works. Len or works straight up but would likely have to come with a few 2nd rounds for Philly. It’s crazy to think of Thybulle was considered part of the core just a year ago, but now he’s nearly fallen out of rotation. The addition of Harden this time last year really put him on the back burner. He’d be an excellent buy low option.
As to Plumlee, I’ve read the Hornets want draft compensation for their players. There was a rumor they want a 1st rounder for Plumlee, but that’s comical. I’d offer them any combinations of expirings (Len, TD, Metu) and a 2nd rounder or two.
Random thought. If Monte had to include Mitchell in a package for Thybulle, does he do it?
Multiple players for Thybulle seems like a pretty big overpay. Especially when one of those is your 2nd PG, and also one of your only defenders on the roster.
To be fair, Monk has been the 2nd best PG on this roster. Thybulle brings you what Mitchell brings you, only he’s bigger, longer, and can guard multiple positions.
It’s a fair point, but I’m not a fan of Monk’s reckless passing.
hope the answer to your last question is no. The book about the Sixers and Trust the Process is still being written, and the Kings have already made a foolish appearance in it by handing over a ton of assets for nothing.
What if the trade were Thybulle for Mitchell straight up?
Also, the Kings have 6 2nd rounders over the next three years. A trade inclusion is likely the best way to use some of them. If Philly wan’t this year’s 2nd, which right now is 53rd, so be it.
If you are asking me, the answer would be a simple “no”. Davion has been a very important piece to this winning team. He also has two more years on his rookie contract.
Sorry, but Thybulle is a 2 time PAC-12 defensive player of the year, NCAA defensive player of the year (as was Davion), 2 time all defensive second team in the NBA, 6’6″ with a 7′ wingspan. Matisse is everything Davion is on the defensive end, only more.
Kings would also control Thybulle’s rights so he’s just as much apart of the Kings future as they want him to be.
The Kings are having a pretty good season. Davion is a key rotational player. won a couple games early in the season when Fox got injured. Led the team to two wins against the Spurs, once with his defense and once with his offense. Seems to wear the DPOG chain quite a bit. Good guy. Hard worker. Hits long two’s at 45-50% which is a nice weapon when it’s in his shot diet. Explosive drives to the hoop when a lane opens up. Unselfish player. Can dribble under the hoop and kick out to an open shooter. Can give a master class on how to draw a charge. Can match up against bigger players if necessary and with success.
Trading midseason is an unknown experiment. The new player might gel or might not. If Thybulle is struggling next to an elite big (Embiid) and an elite guard (Harden), why should we assume he will jump the next plateau in his development in a half season in Sacramento? and why not recognize the possibility that he might make the team worse?
Everything you say is true. I’m not here to say Davion is a slouch, because he is not. He’s an outstanding defender, competitor, and proven winner. All I am saying is that Thybulle is better.
You are also right that a trade midseason can ruin all kinds of chemistry, but it is something playoff teams do all the time. We also have to take into consideration that we are talking about bench players that average less than 20 minutes a game.
As to Thybulle’s role in Philly, I think he’s just been lost in the shuffle with the additions of Harden and PJ Tucker. He was a starter averaging a block and nearly 2 steals in 25 minutes a night until the 76ers traded for Harden last February. The 76ers then added PJ Tucker, who is also an elite defender, this year. IMO, Thybulle has just ben buried on a very good team. Like I said, a great buy low option for the Kings because I don’t think Philly wants to play the RFA game with him next year while already being a tax playing team.
I think Melton is taking his minutes because he does more on offense.
Yessir! This is where Kings need to be both open to opportunity but mostly patient. Only trades worth considering should be from backend of the roster: Holmes, Davis, Len, Metu, etc. along with draft capital. Not opposed to giving up 1st, or 2nd rounders. for next couple years.
We’re on the verge of bearing playoff fruit for years with this roster and this coach.
Kneejerk reactions can still kill the tree.
You need to go to Kings Bleacher Report and look at Davion,s stats. You will really be surprised.
What can Thybulle do on offense? I’ve identified a bunch of things that Davion can do.
Breakdown, skills, something. Make your case.
Davion is only included if Maxey is included.
LOL.
I know it ain’t happening lol.
I’d do it if we get Shake Milton as part of the package for Thybulle
Highly doubt it.
He’s certainly an option I’m glad the Kings are checking in on. You should be looking at players that you think will help you. OTOH, Thybulle/Korkmaz for Holmes seems a little nuts. Especially if the argument is that Philly doesn’t want to pay Thybulle in RFA, why would they want to pay Holmes 25M over the next 2 seasons in all likelihood?
Me too. I’d love to see Josh Richardson added as well. But, FWIW, the Kings (22 losses) are 4 games up in the loss column (26 losses) on the Clippers, Phoenix, Dallas and Warriors (after tonight’s games). You also have OKC, Portland, Utah, New Orleans and Minnesota 5 games back of the Kings in the loss column (27 losses).
The Kings face the Suns, Mavs, Pelicans and Blazers 3 more times; Clippers, OKC, and Wolves twice more; and the Warriors once more (although that’s game 81). The Kings are going to have a great opportunity to hold onto the 3rd seed if they make smart moves at the deadline.
I was listening to a Ringer podcast that had Chris Ryan on who is a Sixers fan and covers the NBA. He posited a trade of Thybulle and Korkmaz for Holmes. So, a trade revolving around Holmes for Thybulle is not far-fetched.
Thybulle is in Doc’s doghouse. Holmes is a former Sixer and they need big man depth as Montrez as we know is basically unplayable in the playoffs (perhaps Holmes would be too, who knows).
Thybulle could very well end up being this King’s era’s Christie. A loaded offensive team that needs a defensive minded player that happens to sucks on offense. Christie was really good though off the ball and cutting off Vlade and Webber. Thybulle is a savvy cutter as well and would work well off Sabonis. I really think Thybulle just doesn’t fit playing off Beard and Embiid, but here he might be something else. Of course, he could just end up being Andre Roberson, but IMO it’s well worth a gamble for MM as you might come away with the next Christie in terms of effect on the team.
Anyhow, if we can come away with Thybulle and Plumlee without giving up any firsts or core players, I’d call that a win and would make us much scarier come playoff time, assuming we do indeed make it.
A Holmes for Thybulle package makes a lot of sense for both team. Would love to see it happen.
He was also an excellent ball handler and a quality spot up shooter when he got opportunities. He had over 55 Win Shares in his career and 32 of those came in 4 1/2 seasons in Sacramento. His 2 best seasons in the NBA happened in 2001-02 and 2002-03.
Because of Doug Christie, it allowed them to acquire Mike Bibby.
Indeed, those teams were so long ago one barely remembers how good Christie actually was, but I certainly recall the immediate effect his presence had on the team. No doubt Thybulle has a long ways to go to even sniff what DC was.
One, and one only, it seems.
The idea that Doug Christie sucked on offense is entirely fictional. With his athleticism, DC could get twenty points any time he needed to, but accepted his valuable role as an off-ball guy, facilitator, and defensive wizard.
What happened to Davion Mitchell? I thought he was drafted to be the defensive stopper off the bench. “The head of the snake” on defense. Why hasn’t he played?
Because his defense doesn’t support his offense? Maybe he doesn’t do well switching? There is something that isn’t working with him.
I like Davion but he’s short. A great defender, but if the player he’s guarding is 6’4” and over they can simply shoot over him. So switching is a bit of a problem.
And his O is not great-no consistent 3 ball.
He may get better and happy to have him but definitely could see them moving to a taller defender.
But that’s not what happens. Davion has shown that time and time again. He’s not an easy switch for anyone. He rarely gives up an easy attempt.
Go ahead, be 6’6″. See if that helps you get your shot away while Mitchell is inside your jersey, taking your lunch money.
When hasn’t he played?
How isn’t he the defensive stopper off the bench?
He is a stopper, but I think the point is he’s not playing a-lot of minutes.
He is playing tonight. Let’s see what happens.
His shot looks so good, it has to start falling at some point… right?!
Can’t score.
Lately he has been as much an offensive stopper as a defensive one.
He is one tough hard working son of a gun and I wouldn’t bet against him. He is slumping on offense, but I expect him to figure it out.
If teams look at his numbers, he won’t bring back much in return anyway.
It’s a gamble either way.
Jojo agrees.
In case we get Matisse and Korkmaz for Richaun + a 2nd rounder, Davion becomes expendable & could be included as the sweetener in the deal to get Plumlee. Plays will emanate from the centers when we have Domas & Plumlee.
A back-up PG can be had in the buy-out market or G League (Trey Burke?).
For a team with a coach that has preached defense as much as Brown has, the idea of Davion being viewed by the Kings as “expendable” seems unthinkable to me.
I think the Kings want to add, rather than exchange, defensive stoppers.
If you want defense and offense together play Davion, Matisse any two of the three of Barnes Murray or Huerter and Sabonis.
I’m hoping the Kings could get Josh Richardson, Matisse Thybulle and Zach Collins (or Mason Plumlee would be better). I just don’t know how the Kings pull that off as a 3 way with the Sixers and Spurs.
But that’s the one way I can see the Kings moving Davion Mitchell is if you are getting two quality wing defenders back in deals.
How about a 3 team deal to get both Thybulle and Plumlee?
Sixers receive: Richaun Holmes, Pacers 2023 2nd, and draft rights to Tyler Harvey
Hornets receive: Danuel House, Alex Len, their own 2023 2nd, Trailblazers 2025 2nd, and draft rights to Alex Oriakhi
Kings receive: Matisse Thybulle, Furkan Korkmaz, and Mason Plumlee
snark kudos to you!
This is the week for everyone’s trade deadline postulates. conservative, crazy, outlandish, obscure.
This one at least has tongue placed squarely in cheek. Well done.
I am just so delighted that I haven’t bothered to look at any 2023 NBA Mock Draft articles
I love (not really) these trade fantasies- I get on Trader Jack for just the same reason- this is great for the Kings but why in the world would any of the others do this?
The draft rights to Tyler Harvey are simply critical here.
Kings got draft rights to Sasha- how has that worked out?
The draft rights were a fun add in. But on why the other teams would do this is a matter of opinion. The base of the trade was what Philly fan Chris Ryan of the Ringer suggested but I don’t think the Kings would want to cut someone on a 3 for 1 player swap. Charlotte has the open roster spot and would get a top 35 pick (their own) and a future pick to cover the cost of House’s player option next year.
I think Josh hart is a guy the Kings should be targeting, especially if Mitchell is in the conversation. Might take a 3 team trade to facilitate it. But he’d be a great fit on this roster.
By how I’ve seen McNair operate so far, this means we are not going after Thybulle, nor after Plumlee.
Do your thing cloaked in silence and mystery, Monte.
Perhaps Jared Vanderbilt for Davion. This was another trade posited on that Ringer pod. I like this trade as well for both teams.
I think the priority for the Kings should be extending Barnes and Lyles.
Nobody has mentioned this, but can we do with Barnes the same thing Indiana did with Turner? We could renegotiate this year with him offering the rest of our cap space, and then extending his contract 2 or 3 years more, declining, in a super team friendly (and tradable) cheap contract.
For Lyles, maybe 3 years $15 contract? He is definitely earning it, we can’t lose assets for nothing in the next free agency.
Can we also extend Mike Brown’s contract? I have seen enough to know this guys is THE GUY. I would love to see Mike here as many years Popovich has been with SA.
I am really sad to say this, but Holmes HAS TO GO. He can’t make $25 million the next 2 seasons warming our bench. It doesn’t seem he is bouncing back here, he needs a change of scenery. Let’s trade Holmes for Plumlee, and give Charlotte as many 2 rounders they want. We clearly don’t know how to draft/develop 2nd rounders anyways. If we can also get Thybulle without breaking the core and losing a 1st round, we went from making the playoff comfortably to play the Western Conference final against Denver…
In the off-season, let’s bring Vezenkov from Olympiacos at any cost. He is still playing amazing basketball this season, stats here (https://www.euroleaguebasketball.net/euroleague/players/sasha-vezenkov/003469/). And make a huge blockbuster trade, for example swapping Barnes with De Rozan/OG Anunoby giving away as many 1st rounds as needed.
I don’t know guys if you realize this, but we are just a couple of moves away from being a serious title contender. We only have 1 more season were Sabonis is making just $18 million, so now it’s the time to be aggressive. The window of opportunity to be a contender is very small.
Thoughts?
Interesting points you make and an interesting position MM is in right now with the trade deadline approaching. Does MM go semi all in on someone who can help the Kings in the playoffs this year or does he exhibit some caution and look at this trade deadline as a means of continuing to build for the future and keep more options open in the offseason to make moves.
Doesn’t seem like anyone has a feel for which way MM will go. Should be a fun next week or so.
Can we also extend Mike Brown’s contract? I have seen enough to know this guys is THE GUY. I would love to see Mike here as many years Popovich has been with SA.
Coach is in the first year of his contract, really no reason to extend him anytime soon.
I should have quoted the word extension. It was more like metaphorically speaking. Sometimes it’s good when players know a coach is not going anywhere, like Pops at SA, or sir Alex Ferguson in his tenure at Manchester United.
No reason yet . What if the team would not make the playoffs than how would you feel about an unnecessary extension . Go to Westphal at Christmas of 1st season .
Zero reason to extend Brown now, maybe next season . Like the idea of extending Barnes and finding ways to keep Lyles .
I have major ups for Coach Brown and his staff. Wonderful. Amazing. Seemingly miraculous.
Coach is 50 games into a 328 game (regular season) contract (15%), which is predicated that he (and GM McNair) will make this stubbornly incompetent organization into a playoff level competitive team. He is well on his way but that outcome is still not in grasp and you already have him sewn up for the next 3 1/2 seasons aka pump the brakes.
A move like that has an amplified stench of desperation that is a bad look for all involved, In My Opinion. I am near overwhelmed with delight at this Kings team and record at this point in the year – as tasty a season we’ve had in too long a time. Savor. Digest. Savor some more. 32 more games to go!
LIGHT THE BEAM!
And 1:
betting dollars to beignets (hey, they’re in New Orleans atm), that Coach Brown has a playoff bonus kicker in his deal. I would be shocked if that wasn’t an incentive- Same goes for the McNair and Wilcox extensions.
Nobody mentioned it because it’s not possible to do a renegotiation and extend. You have to do that with cap room, which the Kings have not had since the beginning of the season (July 1).
An extension is possible, but I’m guessing neither Barnes or the FO is that eager to get something done. I would bet July is when Barnes gets a new deal.
Yours is the aggressive and hopeful approach (Sasha)
Has to be considered.
at this point, the West is up for grabs (including the players who are grabbing at the pain from injury.)
If PG3 goes down, or Luka or stephie or AD again. those teams are toast.
The idea of sasha here now is one that causes me pain. He’s the missing piece right now. He’d easily be getting all the back up center minutes and then some.
man!!! Can you imagine this team with Sasha right now?!?! He would be a huge part of this team. Stupid he didn’t come over. They’d be at least 5 wins higher than they are now and a serious run in the playoff’s would be that much more realistic.
he should be a priority this summer. Coming to a playoff team (hopefully) and being a piece to push them farther along is hopefully more enticing for him.
Plumlee would be an upgrade as a backup big, but is a short term rental. He’ll be a 33 year old unrestricted FA. He is the antithesis of a floor spacer. I’m not sure what I give up for him but the Kings aren’t really a Championship contender and he doesn’t put them in the conversation. I wouldn’t be giving up long term pieces or flexibility for him, which limits the options there.
Thybulle is an impressive defender and a proven lock down guy. I just don’t know what happens if he and Davion are on the court together. Someone has to put the ball in the basket and having two guys on the court that are not scoring threats allows the defense to focus on the scorers.
With Brown keeping one of Fox or Sabonis on the court at all times, I can’t see the two primary bench lineups (Fox, Monk, Plumlee, Thybulle, Lyles or Sabonis, Davion, Monk, Thybulle, Lyles) being all that impressive as they lack shooting. Maybe you move Huerter to the bench and start Thybulle??? I don’t really like that idea either.
I see Plumlee being the better piece for this year’s run and Thybulle being a gamble as a longer term piece. I wouldn’t give up flexibility or any core pieces for either of them. I doubt Charlotte will want what we’re giving up as I don’t think they’d want Holmes’ extra 2 years on his contract. Maybe Len and a second for Plumlee, thereby using the trade exception and saving Charlotte some dough. Maybe Holmes for Thybulle and Korkmaz?
agree- Thybulle is the best long-term play here but, as Philly discovered, he has a serios bit of a shooting problem. He can shoot but he can’t make. He is a shorter but better version of KZ and has limited utility for more than 12 minutes per game. Has to be used as a tool for the defense. Many teams have gotten away with having a zero offensive guy in the lineup but most of these guys are bigs who do other things besides just stellar defense. Thybulle will just be taking up space on offense but that said, he is worth it for 12 minutes a game.
Plumblee- is big, rebounds, sort of “protects” the rim but is an URFA with, I am sure an overly huge view of himself.
if either can be gotten for 2nd rounders and end of bench guys, then go for it. I have been intrigued by Keon Ellis- does he factor in here at all? or is he another 2nd round bust?
Jared Vanderbilt would be great but the price for him is way too high.
???? ????
2 days after the reserves were announced this happens. I would be pretty surprised if Adam Silver doesn’t announce replacements in the next couple of days.
So… what do you think:
when Kyrie gets traded (best part about the whole harangue is that it sped up the wheels on the trade machine) to a team out West (almost assuredly) that HE won’t take the Steph spot?
I kid, I kid
Good point. I’m still operating under the assumption that the Nets won’t trade Kyrie. But…if that happens…then yes that spot gets taken by Kyrie I believe. Brunson likely gets Kyrie’s spot in the game as a result in the East.
Besides, this is just one domino. I’d be pretty surprised if De’Aaron doesn’t end up in the game.
It’s why he has to name the backcourt replacement sooner than later (IMO)
He may still be an All Star but not have a spot in the game, too. I honestly forget FF. That’ll be interesting as well.
Kyrie’s in the game FF. Because it isn’t East v West anymore, it doesn’t matter.
It would be funny if Fox is the injury replacement and then declines.
De’Aaron wants a supermax. I expect he woudln’t turn down the ASG since he hasn’t been an All Star a number of times before like Butler had.
Butler was a 5 time All Star at that point and is now a 6 time All Star.
It’s the lamest criterion for being eligible for a supermax, but yeah.
You have to make All NBA teams, DPOY or MVP to win a SuperMax, ASG’s have nothing to do with it.
I suppose if Fox’s numbers weren’t completely compatible with being an all-star, and had he not been snubbed (which seems to be the consensus), then sure, totally lame.
Talk about a game you really need to win! Lawdy!
I’m not sure I like having actual games distract me from trade deadline blather – but I guess I’ll watch
Getting that 30th win now would be a sweet morsel
CJ McCollum can still drop 50 if the Kings sleep walk through this team, as has been the trend when they face a SGABABA team.
Kyrie to the Mavs lol
Ummm, well, I stand corrected. 20 minutes later. LOL Wow, that’s an interesting deal for Dallas.
And of course we get to see Kyrie twice this weekend. Which I’m actually fond of because I think the Kings and Mavs suddenly become the most interesting game Sat night. I know there’s a Lakers-Warriors going on that night and that won’t get flexed off, but I wonder if Fri night that game ends up on Nat TV.
Yea I thought he was going to the Lakers. Well I didn’t want Dallas to get him. Yes, Kyrie is somewhat of a locker room negative but his talent more than makes up for it (sometimes). Was hoping for a Dallas collapse and Luka asking for a trade request.
If you were hoping for a Doncic trade request, then playing with Kyrie is the fastest path towards that goal, there is no bigger cancer in the league that Kyrie.
And Kyrie has always been happiest when there’s a guy on his team who plays his position better than Irving does.
The value that NBA teams still place on Kyrie is completely misplaced. He is injury-prone, and unreliable.
Watching limited games as a disclaimer, I love Plumlee’s game. Also think his respect in the league will keep the refs from calling hella fouls as he’s known for his physical play and played for the olympic team. Curious to his willingness to play limited minutes given Sabonis is a freak of nature and seems to always be on the floor. Curious about the sixers guy, definitely need some sort of Gaurd adjustment as Davion is either too green or too limited for the team atm. Shades of Ben Simmons with his hesitation to attempt scoring
Thought Keon Ellis looked amazing in Summer League, tenacious defense and long physique to cover PG/SG. Wonder if he is capable of developing ball handling/passing/offensive game to make it in the NBA as a backup
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