Potential Backup Center Options for Sixers From Thybulle Suitors

Several teams are interested in Matisse Thybulle. Which centers from those teams could the Sixers consider?

By the end of next week, a handful of NBA teams are expected to have a different look. With the 2023 trade deadline kicking in next Thursday, teams only have so much time to make moves. The Philadelphia 76ers’ plans aren’t totally clear, but it’s apparent they could use another backup center to employ behind Joel Embiid.

Meanwhile, teams have taken an interest in Sixers’ wing Matisse Thybulle. As Thybulle and the Sixers didn’t get an extension done during the offseason, the fourth-year defensive standout is set to hit the free agency market over the summer.

Several teams have reportedly inquired about Thybulle. While the Sixers don’t seem to be in a rush to trade Thybulle, they don’t seem all that reluctant, either. So, in the event the Sixers do ship out Thybulle in a deal with one of the few interested suitors at the moment, let’s look at some of the potential backup center prospects that could be on the table. 

Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks are the latest team to show interest in Thybulle. As Atlanta searches for upgrades ahead of the deadline, the 27-27 Hawks could use a defensive boost to help increase their playoff odds as they are currently in the Play-In picture. 

Onyeka Okongwu

Amid his third season in the NBA, Okongwu has 150 games under his belt, all with the Hawks. Over the last two seasons, Okongwu has averaged nine points and seven rebounds while spending roughly 23 minutes on the court per game. He’s a decent rim protector, blocking 2.6 percent of his opponent’s shots, ranking in the 79th percentile, according to Cleaning the Glass. He’s also a reliable rebounder on both ends of the floor. On offense, his effective field goal percentage is 64 percent. He’s under contract until 2024, with a rookie extension available. Okonguw is making a little over $6 million this year.

Sacramento Kings

The Kings were the first team linked to Thybulle earlier this week. Although Sacramento is typically known to be near the bottom of the Western Conference, they’ve been a shockingly successful team more than halfway through the season. Now, they are on the hunt for any moves that will help them capitalize on their success in the West this year.

Chimezie Metu

The 25-year-old big has come off the bench for 38 games this year, averaging 11 minutes on the floor. During that time, Metu has put up five points per game and came down with three rebounds per game. Although he struggled to find consistent playing time throughout the year, Metu has averaged 11 minutes in the rotation over the last 12 games. Right now, the Kings don’t seem to be shopping the young veteran.

Richaun Holmes

The Sixers are linked to a couple of potential reunions lately, and Richaun Holmes would be one of them. Unlike any of the prospects mentioned before him, Holmes is on the expensive side of things. This year, he’s making over $11 million. Next year, he’ll make over $12 million. With that being said, Holmes would bring ideal value to both ends of the floor for the Sixers if talks between Sacramento and the Sixers get serious soon.

Golden State Warriors

After a championship run, the Warriors don’t look primed for a repeat, but some tweaks could change the narrative surrounding them this season. There’s plenty of shooting on a healthy Golden State team, which could help mask the offensive limitations Thybulle has in the eyes of the defense. Then, the young veteran could help immediately boost Golden State’s defense.

James Wiseman

It’s clear that the former second-overall pick isn’t living up to high expectations in Golden State. In year one, he appeared in 39 games. Wiseman missed his sophomore effort due to a knee injury. This year, the young center has appeared in just 20 games, averaging 13 minutes on the court. During that time, Wiseman has put up seven points per game and snagged four rebounds per game. While Wiseman brings some much-needed size to the table, he’s struggled to carve out a steady role on a contending team already. Since the Sixers are in win-now mode, Wiseman might be a tough gamble for the Sixers, who are already dealing with question marks at the position.

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.