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
32 of 32
Dec 20, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) takes the court against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Pelicans won 108-93. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) takes the court against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Pelicans won 108-93. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Wrap Up

In the end, what was once seen as manageable became unmanageable. Conversely, what appears to be unsalvageable may end up being quite salvageable.  Free Agency is not the glorious cash extravaganza that many believe it to be.

Particularly not in the current state of the Nerlens Noel Philadelphia 76ers situation.

NBA Rumors: The Lillard sweepstakes have been narrowed to just 2 teams
NBA Rumors: The Lillard sweepstakes have been narrowed to just 2 teams

Hoops Habit

  • NBA Trade Rumors: Predicting 8 most likely dark horse suitors for Damian Lillard Sir Charles In Charge
  • NBA Rumors: Damian Lillard would not report to training camp if not traded to Miami Sir Charles In Charge
  • NBA Rumors: Miami Heat the favorites to sign key free agent Kelly Oubre Jr.? Sir Charles In Charge
  • NBA rumors: Victor Wembanyama slated to start at the power forward position FanSided
  • NBA Trade Rumors: 1 Player from each team most likely to be traded in-season Sir Charles In Charge
  • But things have a way of working out, particularly when the future is shrouded in the mist of uncertainty. The Philadelphia 76ers hold the ace up their sleeve with the NBA qualifying offer.  Once that occurs, the team can and should match any reasonable NBA offer for Noel.

    NBA teams are conservative, and the current “three unhappy centers” theme has encouraged virtually all teams to wait, or offer up a clear bargain basement offer. If the Philadelphia 76ers can ride this out to the trade deadline, or beyond, the offers will increase in value.

    Nerlens Noel was one of the original players brought to the Philadelphia 76ers for good reason.  A strong defensive rim-protector is the universal language of the NBA. In essence, Noel can “duct tape” any team’s playoff chances.

    Next: Evaluating the Importance of Joel Embiid’s 3-Point Shot

    And so, we wait for the team and player to settle things down, and hope for the best.  It may be that Nerlens Noel and Joel Embiid become the next version of the NBA Twin Towers.