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Philadelphia 76ers: 3 deals to send Matisse Thybulle to the Portland Trail Blazers

By Zach Ciavolella

Apr 10, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Matisse Thybulle (22) warms up before the game against the Detroit Pistons at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Matisse Thybulle (22) warms up before the game against the Detroit Pistons at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2: PHI adds two young athletes

While a future first-round pick would certainly be desirable, adding a young former first-rounder and surprisingly young veteran wing would be even more enticing. The Sixers have made it clear that they’re looking to add legitimate veteran talent, not just free salary space. For a team in need of athletic wing defenders, adding Winslow and Johnson is a no-brainer.

Justise Winslow has not had the NBA career that many had expected since he was drafted 10th overall by the Miami Heat in the 2015 NBA draft. With career averages of 8.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, some may question what Winslow brings to the table. Admittedly, his box score numbers are a bit underwhelming, but he started to turn things around last season, with the Blazers averaging 10.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.3 steals in Portland.

Keon Johnson would come to Philadelphia and join his former teammate at Tennessee, Jaden Springer. Johnson would be on his third team in his short NBA career, but that is thorough, no fault of his own. The young guard certainly has potential; it will just take time for him to realize it (as is the case with Springer).

Sixers fans would surely be upset to lose Isaiah Joe but to acquire a younger and more talented player on a longer deal like Johnson, there should be no complaints.