Former Knicks center signs with young, exciting team in free agency

It wasn’t all that long ago when New York Knicks fans were waiting to learn whether or not Nerlens Noel would return to action during the 2021-22 season. After helping the Knicks secure a playoff berth the season before, Noel played in only 25 games to close out his stint in New York.

The Knicks traded Noel (and Alec Burks) to the Pistons a few days after the 2022 NBA Draft to clear up cap space to sign Jalen Brunson. Noel appeared in 14 games for Detroit and averaged 2.3 points and 2.6 rebounds per game before he and the Pistons agreed to a buyout. The center signed with the Nets but appeared in only three of Brooklyn’s remaining 19 regular season games.

Noel entered the offseason as a free agent, and nearly three weeks after free agency began, the 29-year-old has found a new home.

Kings sign former Knicks center Nerlens Noel to one-year deal to bolster defense

Nerlens Noel is back in the Western Conference for the first time since the 2019-20 season when he was with Oklahoma City. He’s joining a thrilling Kings squad that finished the 2022-23 regular season with a 48-34 record; Sacramento’s most wins in a single season since 2004-05 (50).

Noel will have the chance to compete against Alex Len and Trey Lyles to be Domantas Sabonis’ backup. Len re-signed with the Kings after spending the past two seasons with the team, and Lyles re-signed with Sacramento after arriving in California ahead of the 2022 trade deadline.

Noel has dealt with a series of injuries in recent seasons between his foot and knee, but if he can stay healthy, the former Knicks center could be a regular face in Mike Brown’s rotation. Better yet, he could be part of a deep playoff run for the Kings that doesn’t include another first-round exit.

Nerlens Noel’s second season in New York didn’t go as hoped, but hopefully, the big man will enjoy some success in Sacramento.

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