Blazers Guard Matisse Thybulle Picks Up $11.5M Option For 2025-26

Matisse Thybulle has exercised his $11.5 million player option for the 2025-26 NBA season, choosing to remain with the Portland Trail Blazers rather than entering free agency. Despite missing the majority of the 2024-25 season due to knee and ankle injuries, Thybulle made a strong impact in the 15 games he played, averaging 7.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 2.2 steals per game, while shooting over 43% from three-point range. Originally acquired midseason from the Philadelphia 76ers, Thybulle has been a key defensive presence, having earned NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors in 2021 and 2022. His return, alongside the recent trade acquisition of Jrue Holiday, bolsters Portland's perimeter defense and complements the team's younger guards. Thybulle will become an unrestricted free agent in 2026, and with his defensive skills and expiring contract, he could be a trade asset in the future. Overall, Thybulle's decision to stay provides stability and defensive strength for the Blazers as they aim to build on their evolving team identity.