Knicks Trade Rumors: Monitoring Trade Activity Around The NBA
Nerlens Noel, Philadelphia 76ers
Position: Forward/Center
Age: 22 (4/10/1994)
Experience: 3rd Season
2015-16 Slash Line: .521/.500/.590
2016-16 Season Averages: 29.3 MPG, 11.1 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 2.3 ORPG, 1.8 APG, 1.8 SPG, 1.5 BPG
The Philadelphia 76ers have an opportunity to flip Nerlens Noel or Jahlil Okafor for whatever it is that they deem necessary to round out the rotation. Joel Embiid is already showing signs of superstar potential, Dario Saric has upside at the 4, and Ben Simmons is tantalizing .
Whether it’s Noel or Okafor, the Sixers would improve as a team by replacing them with a perimeter player.
Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical reported that either Noel or Okafor could be on the move back in September. Sam Amico of AmicoHoops.net recently reported that the Portland Trail Blazers are interested in acquiring Noel.
Per Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, Noel is the more likely of the two big men to be moved.
Was told recently, not much desire to trade Jahlil - Noel is the guy they'll move. Not on the same page at all. https://t.co/G3uRMqt3E6
— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) November 23, 2016
Considering Noel publicly blasted the Sixers’ logjam of big men by calling it, “Silly,” it stands to reason that he’s the more likely player to depart.
Wherever Noel goes, a division rival, Philadelphia, would improve by solidifying a different position. That’s something to be wary of as New York will have to go through the Sixers in 2016-17 and future years to come.
It’s also worth noting that New York could benefit from having a young rim protector working alongside Kristaps Porzingis, although a trade for Noel seems unlikely.
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New York may not be taking part in any potential trades, but knowing what’s happening around the NBA is vital to staying on top of the game.