New York Knicks: A trade proposal for Matisse Thybulle

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 03: Matisse Thybulle #22 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Miami Heat during the second half at American Airlines Arena on February 03, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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New York Knicks Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images /

How this trade benefits the New York Knicks

Thybulle is not exactly known for his 3-point shooting abilities. He had some success with his shot last season, at 35.7 percent, though that number has severely dipped this season at just 28.8 percent on his threes.

Luckily for him, he has seemingly picked up the pace as of late, shooting 50 percent on his field goals and 41.2 percent on his 3-pointers during the last nine games of action. But let’s be honest, you wouldn’t bring in a guy like Thybulle as a spot-up shooter.

What Matisse brings to the table is the ability to clamp up about any player that is considered a perimeter threat. Thybulle is currently ranked 10th in the league in steals per game, despite playing an average of 17.7 minutes per night. It, of course, goes without saying that he leads the league in steals per 36 minutes.

Playing at an All-Defensive level as he does in Philadelphia under Doc Rivers, just imagine what he could do under Tom Thibodeau. He could be the perfect player for Thibs that we didn’t even know existed.

When guarded by Thybulle, his opponents shoot 36.9 percent from the field, placing him only behind Jimmy Butler and Eric Gordon. If the Knicks are to start putting Immanuel Quickley into the starting lineup, then a defensive partner like Thybulle is definitely the way to go.

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