NBA Trade Rumors: PhilaDEALphia 2016 Trade Holiday Anthology

December 20, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and forward Andre Iguodala (9) congratulate forward Draymond Green (23) for scoring a basket during the second quarter against the Utah Jazz at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 20, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and forward Andre Iguodala (9) congratulate forward Draymond Green (23) for scoring a basket during the second quarter against the Utah Jazz at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
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Dec 18, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) looks on during the second half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) looks on during the second half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Boston Celtics

Fit: Hot
Interest: Warm
Public Sentiment: Hot

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Boston Celtics


The Boston Celtics have been linked to one of the Philadelphia 76ers surplus centers since the trade deadline of the 2015-2016 season. In the words of Celtics president Danny Ainge: “I can’t tell you the team or the name, but it was very close. It was something we had been deliberating on for two days straight,” said Ainge. “We were wrapping ourselves around a big package to do a deal, and at the very last minute … they did not want to do it, they backed out.”
The other team is now very much thought to be the Philadelphia 76ers, and the reason the 76ers backed out is now thought to be Jerry Colangelo – who did not want the team to make any major moves before his son, Bryan Colangelo, arrived.
C’est Le Vie.
The fact that the team, and particularly, the Colangelos, left Ainge waiting at the altar explains the sudden low balling from the Celtics organization after the fact. However, the Celtics disappointed in the 2016 NBA Draft as well. Many had higher expectations than the team delivered, despite holding a myriad of draft selections in the 2016 NBA Draft. For now, the Celtics have Al Horford in the role at center. But they know all too well how the team can struggle without a solid post presence. Noel gives them insurance. Will they take it? Only if Ainge swallows his pride and delivers a fair market offer for Noel before the Raptors do so.

Fit: Hot
Interest: Warm
Public Sentiment: Hot

Current Likelihood of Trade for Nerlens Noel? WARM
For more NBA Rumors between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Boston Celtics:
NBA Rumors: Philadelphia 76ers Linked to Boston Celtics
NBA Rumors Indicate Sixers May Have to Wait to Trade Big Man
5 Potential Landing Spots for Nerlens Noel

Current Links between teams already on books?:
None, but there is the little matter of the upcoming trade deadline.