NBA Rumors: 76ers' Nerlens Noel Nearly Nabbed Raptor's Ross

On draft night, the Philadelphia 76ers nearly managed to deal center Nerlens Noel for Raptor’s small forward Terrence Ross. Now, that deal may happen.

So close and yet so far.

The Philadelphia 76ers and the Toronto Raptors have something in common. Or, rather, someone.

Bryan Colangelo.

Colangleo is the link which caused speculation as to whether the Philadelphia 76ers could pry a free agent or trade out of the Raptors this off-season.

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There were plenty of NBA rumors which we covered, but they never came to fruition. We even guessed that the bond between Colangelo and some of his former players may result in a Raptor landing on the Philadelphia 76ers. But we didn’t know how close the 76ers came to making that happen.

On draft night, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Toronto Raptors were reportedly very close to closing a deal on trading Nerlens Noel for Terrence Ross, but those trade talks fell apart when the Raptors wanted more in the exchange. But scenarios do change.

We reported the NBA rumors tying the Cleveland Cavaliers to Nerlens Noel, as the Cavaliers try to keep pace with the Golden State Warriors. But the Toronto Raptors are trying just as hard to keep pace with the Cavaliers.

That “extra compensation” sought by the Raptors on draft night would seem small in comparison if the Raptors end up losing the opportunity to score a center as talented as Nerlens Noel. Per reports from sportrageous’ Jeykesy Baruelo, the Raptors have not closed the door at all on the trade. In fact, considering the close ties of Bryan Colangelo to the Raptors’ organization, it may be very much alive.

The deal would be an exchange of Nerlens Noel for Terrence Ross. Right now, the Raptors have plenty of center help, but need reinforcement at the power forward role.

Currently, the Raptors have Jason Thompson and Patrick Patterson at power forward, with just six starts between them. Bismack Biyombo played 82 games, 22 starts, and averaged 22 minutes per game for the Raptors last season. It was Biyombo who led the team with 1.6 blocks per game. Noel’s presence would do more than make up for Biyombo’s absence.

Perhaps you also noticed that the Philadelphia 76ers had not addressed the small forward position this off-season. Terrence Ross could be a nice addition to the team at that position, particularly in light of the new faces debuting in other positions. You can bet that Bryan Colangelo would love to have a former player join the 76ers roster this year.

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If Toronto hesitates now, the Cavaliers could end up with Nerlens Noel. That addition could take them out of the reach of the Raptors for another year, and perhaps for the foreseeable future. The Noel for Ross swap seems equitable, would benefit both teams, and would be well timed to happen sooner rather than later.

As the season nears, the rumors and the offers should begin to heat up for the Philadelphia 76ers. Just which team will make a significant enough offer remains to be seen. If NBA teams still hope to low-ball the 76ers, that time has passed. The season is upon the NBA very soon, and with it comes the pressure to win now. Up the offers, or watch some other team walk away with the prize.

NBA Rumors: 76ers’ Nerlens Noel Nearly Nabbed Raptor’s Ross

By Bret Stuter | Aug 19, 2016

On draft night, the Philadelphia 76ers nearly managed to deal center Nerlens Noel for Raptor’s small forward Terrence Ross. Now, that deal may happen.