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Mavericks reportedly to sign Matisse Thybulle to offer sheet, will Trail Blazers match?

Sacramento Kings v Portland Trail Blazers

PORTLAND, OR - MARCH 31: Matisse Thybulle #4 of the Portland Trail Blazers smiles during the game against the Sacramento Kings on March 31, 2023 at the Moda Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)

NBAE via Getty Images

The Portland Trail Blazers front office is focused on complex Damian Lillard trade scenarios, but they have had another decision thrown on their front burner — whether or not to match an offer sheet for Matisse Thybulle.

Chris Haynes of TNT/Bleacher Report broke the news.

That offer will almost certainly be for the mid-level exception of $12.4 million next season — $54 million over four years — the most the Mavericks can offer.

That’s a fair salary for Thybulle, one of the best free agents left on the market. He is a two-time All-Defensive Team player who is elite on that end of the court but limited on offense. Thybulle took some steps forward on offense last season, shooting 36.5% from 3 and turning the ball over less, but he is still the guy opposing defenses will help off of.

For a Mavericks team with plenty of shot creation in Luka Dončić and just re-signed Kyrie Irving, adding an elite defensive wing makes sense.

For a Trail Blazers team about to trade away Lillard to rebuild around Scoot Henderson, does keeping Thybulle make sense? Portland will threaten to match the offer to try and get a sign-and-trade done, but Thybulle to the Mavericks makes more sense.