The Philadelphia 76ers relationship with center Nerlens Noel has devolved from “what might we get in exchange?” down to “just make the pain go away!”. As NBA Trade Rumors abound, might there be relief coming soon?
Nerlens Noel may be a young center in the NBA with question marks, but he is a bona fide defensive force to be reckoned with at the rim. No matter what the drama undercurrents going on among the Philadelphia 76ers executives, coaches, and players, the value of Nerlens Noel is real, and it’s spectacular.
If any deal was imminent, it would already be history. So far, scouting reports from NBA teams have not been impressed with Noel’s conduct. In fact, per Adrian Wojnarowski from a recent podcast the Vertical, they discussed the matter. Adrian Wojnarowski on The Vertical Podcast with Woj:
"Nerlens Noel in Philly, the research teams have done on him is not good. They don’t get good reports back on their intel, how he’s carried himself there, of his habits. It’s not a great return. So, there are teams willing to do deal and bring him in, but they don’t want to give up much."
Noel wants a new contract. So Let’s play Santa Claus for the young man, or men if a team seeks Jahlil Okafor insteads, and go down our list…
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But to make it interesting, gauging interest of an NBA team in either center will be graded in three categories: Fit, Interest, Public Sentiment. To make it easy to gauge, each category will be graded as: Cold, Cool, Neutral, Warm, or Hot. Since the NBA is typically run from bottom to top, let’s reverse this order. I mean, after all, the least value will likely come from the teams which are already on track for a championship, and are least likely to wow anyone with offers of draft picks due to the order of their picks.
Let’s see how this goes, shall we?
Golden State Warriors
Current Likelihood of Trade for Nerlens Noel? COOL
For more NBA Rumors between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Golden State Warriors:
Okafor Should Still be Moved Despite Rumors
Nerlens Noel Is The Best Blazers Solution
Current Links between teams already on books?:
Revisiting 2017 NBA Draft Picks 76ers Lakers Kings
Philadelphia 76ers Trade Kendall Marshall
Current Likelihood of Trade for Nerlens Noel? Neutral
For more NBA Rumors between the Philadelphia 76ers and the San Antonio Spurs:
NBA Rumors: Philadelphia 76ers linked to San Antonio Spurs
5 Potential Landing Spots for Nerlens Noel
Current Links between teams already on books?:
None at the moment, but there is the matter of the upcoming 2017 NBA Trade Deadline
Cleveland Cavaliers
Current Likelihood of Trade for Nerlens Noel? WARM
For more NBA Rumors between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Cleveland Cavaliers:
Nerlens Noel Can Get To Cleveland Cavaliers
NBA Rumors: Nerlens Noel’s Name Linked To Cavaliers
NBA Trade Rumors: Nerlens Noel To Trailblazers Raptors Cavaliers
Current Links between teams already on books?:
2018 Cleveland second round pick (option)
Los Angeles Clippers
Current Likelihood of Trade for Nerlens Noel? COLD
For more NBA Rumors between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Clippers:
NBA Rumors: Philadelphia 76ers Linked To Los Angeles Clippers
NBA Rumors Abound: Philadelphia 76ers Pursuing LA Clipper Blake Griffin
Current Links between teams already on books?:
2018 LA Clippers second round pick (option)
Houston Rockets
Current Likelihood of Trade for Nerlens Noel?
COLD
For more NBA Rumors between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Houston Rockets:
NBA Rumors: Nerlens Noel To Houston Rockets Via Phoenix Suns?
NBA Rumors: Houston Rockets Linked to Philadelphia 76ers
Current Links between teams already on books?:
NONE
Toronto Raptors
Current Likelihood of Trade for Nerlens Noel?
WARM
For more NBA Rumors between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Toronto Raptors:
NBA Trade Rumors: Nerlens Noel To Trailblazers Raptors Cavaliers
Nerlens Noel Likely to be Center Moved by Sixers
Philadelphia 76ers Seek 1st Rd Pick Plus Cory Joseph For Nerlens Noel
5 Potential Landing Spots for Nerlens Noel
Current Links between teams already on books?:
NONE
Utah Jazz
Current Likelihood of Trade for Nerlens Noel?
COLD
For more NBA Rumors between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Utah Jazz:
Philadelphia 76ers Trade Kendall Marshall
Current Links between teams already on books?:
Revisiting 2017 NBA Draft Picks 76ers Lakers Kings
Memphis Grizzlies
Current Likelihood of Trade for Nerlens Noel?
COLD
For more NBA Rumors between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Utah Jazz:
None (although it could change at any time)
Current Links between teams already on books?:
None, but anything is possible as the NBA Trade Deadline approaches
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.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Current Likelihood of Trade for Nerlens Noel? COOL
For more NBA Rumors between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Oklahoma City Thunder:
None at this time, but the Trade Deadline is coming soon.
Current Links between teams already on books?:
Philadelphia 76ers Dealing Jerami Grant For Ersan Ilyasova
Jerami Grant Trade Perfectly Depicts Philadelphia 76ers Uncertainty
Charlotte Hornets
Current Likelihood of Trade for Nerlens Noel? Cold
For more NBA Rumors between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Charlotte Hornets:
There simply has not been any link between these two teams in trade talks yet.
Current Links between teams already on books?:
None, but there is the little matter of the upcoming trade deadline.
New York Knicks
Current Likelihood of Trade for Nerlens Noel? WARM
For more NBA Rumors between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks:
Knicks Trade Rumors: Nerlens Noel Available For Trade
Current Links between teams already on books?:
Philadelphia 76ers Future NBA Draft Picks
Revisiting 2017 NBA Draft Picks 76ers Lakers Kings
Chicago Bulls
Current Likelihood of Trade for Nerlens Noel? WARM
For more NBA Rumors between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Chicago Bulls :
NBA Rumors: Philadelphia 76ers Nerlens Noel For Nikola Mirotic?
Derrick Rose Was Nearly a Philadelphia 76ers Point Guard
Current Links between teams already on books?:
None, but there is the little matter of the upcoming trade deadline.
Indiana Pacers
Fit: Cool
Interest: Cold
Public Sentiment: Neutral
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Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers are oh so close to the playoffs, but may fall short if their current trajectory holds true. The challenge for the Pacers so far has been trying to align NBA stars to pace alongside small forward Paul George. George is six years into the NBA, and is at his peak in terms of his career. Fortunately, the Pacers were able to wrest point guard Jeff Teague from the Atlanta Hawks. Pacers current center, Myles Turner, is completely adequate for the Pacers so far. He generates rebounds, blocks, and has a good shot to pitch in over 15 points per game.
The Pacers still need to build contributing veterans around George to have a chance at a championship, but they won’t be shopping in Philadelphia to do so.
Fit: Cool
Interest: Cold
Public Sentiment: Neutral
Current Likelihood of Trade for Nerlens Noel? Cold
For more NBA Rumors between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Indiana Pacers :
NBA Rumors: Philadelphia 76ers linked to Indiana Pacers
Current Links between teams already on books?:
None, but there is the little matter of the upcoming trade deadline.
Atlanta Hawks
Current Likelihood of Trade for Nerlens Noel? cold
For more NBA Rumors between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Atlanta Hawks:
NBA Rumors: Atlanta Hawks ?s = Philadelphia 76ers Answers
NBA Rumors: Covington Stauskas Now Mentioned In Hawks Deal
Current Links between teams already on books?:
None, but there is the little matter of the upcoming trade deadline.
Milwaukee Bucks
Current Likelihood of Trade for Nerlens Noel? NEUTRAL
For more NBA Rumors between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Milwaukee Bucks:
NBA Rumors Indicate Sixers May Have to Wait to Trade Big Man
Current Links between teams already on books?:
None, but there is the little matter of the upcoming trade deadline.
Detroit Pistons
Current Likelihood of Trade for Nerlens Noel? WARM
For more NBA Rumors between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Detroit Pistons :
There are no current confirmed trade rumors between these teams.
Current Links between teams already on books?:
Free Agency Rumors: Ish Smith, Pistons Agree to Deal
Despite Fast NBA Rumors: Philadelphia 76ers Crawl Into FA
Washington Wizards
Current Likelihood of Trade for Nerlens Noel? WARM
For more NBA Rumors between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Washington Wizards :
NBA Rumors: Philadelphia 76ers Linked To Washington Wizards
Current Links between teams already on books?:
None, but there is the little matter of the upcoming trade deadline.
Portland Trail Blazers
And there’s the rub.
Plumlee is a good center. I’m not convinced he is strong enough in the post to compliment the Trailblazers backcourt 82 games a season.
The Trailblazers committed a lot of currency to shooting guards Allen Crabbe and Evan Turner, and haven’t gotten their hoped for results. The trailblazers are loaded with backcourt prospects, sinking fast, and facing a draft upcoming and chock full of… wait for it… back court prospects.
With the surgery to Festus Ezeli’s knee not recovering as quickly as hoped for, Nerlens Noel is the ideal piece for the Trailblazers. Practically every trade pundit has declared this a “should happen”. Perhpas the Trailblazers are awaiting some try outs via the 10 day contract route before committing to trade for Noel. If any other team is interested, that gives them a window to thwart the Trailblazers and perhaps secure a playoff spot themselves.
Fit: Very Hot
Interest: Hot
Public Sentiment: Very Hot
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Portland Trailblazers
If the saying “where there is smoke, there’s fire” is true, then then phone lines between the Portland Trailblazers and the Philadelphia 76ers are molten metal and ablaze. The playoff hopes of the Trailblazers are sinking fast. Once more, a team with a backcourt of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum averaging 49 points a game has not salvaged the season for this team so far.
Right now the team’s load at center is solely on the shoulders of Mason Plumlee.
And there’s the rub.
Plumlee is a good center. I’m not convinced he is strong enough in the post to compliment the Trailblazers backcourt 82 games a season.
The Trailblazers committed a lot of currency to shooting guards Allen Crabbe and Evan Turner, and haven’t gotten their hoped for results. The trailblazers are loaded with backcourt prospects, sinking fast, and facing a draft upcoming and chock full of… wait for it… back court prospects.
With the surgery to Festus Ezeli’s knee not recovering as quickly as hoped for, Nerlens Noel is the ideal piece for the Trailblazers. Practically every trade pundit has declared this a “should happen”. Perhpas the Trailblazers are awaiting some try outs via the 10 day contract route before committing to trade for Noel. If any other team is interested, that gives them a window to thwart the Trailblazers and perhaps secure a playoff spot themselves.
Fit: Very Hot
Interest: Hot
Public Sentiment: Very Hot
Current Likelihood of Trade for Nerlens Noel? Hot
For more NBA Rumors between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Portland Trailblazers:
NBA Rumors: Portland Trailblazers Testing Waters For Nerlens Noel
NBA Trade Rumors: Nerlens Noel To Trailblazers Raptors Cavaliers
5 Potential Landing Spots for Nerlens Noel
Nerlens Noel Could Be Trade Target After Ezeli’s Injury
Current Links between teams already on books?:
None, but there is the little matter of the upcoming trade deadline.
Orlando Magic
Current Likelihood of Trade for Nerlens Noel? Cool
For more NBA Rumors between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Orlando Magic :
Could Elfrid Payton be a Fit in Sixers Offense?
Nerlens Noel Likely to be Center Moved by Sixers
Current Links between teams already on books?:
None, but there is the little matter of the upcoming trade deadline.
Denver Nuggets
Current Likelihood of Trade for Nerlens Noel? Cool
For more NBA Rumors between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Denver Nuggets:
Nerlens Noel Changes Agents Rather Than Tactics
NBA Rumors: Denver Nuggets Dealing, Sixers a Partner?
NBA Rumors: Philadelphia 76ers Linked to Denver Nuggets
Current Links between teams already on books?:
None, but there is the little matter of the upcoming trade deadline.
Sacramento Kings
Current Likelihood of Trade for Nerlens Noel? Cool
For more NBA Rumors between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Sacramento Kings :
Nerlens Noel Changes Agents Rather Than Tactics
Could the Sixers Trade for McLemore or Rudy Gay?
NBA Draft Rumors: Sixers Talks Heating up With Celtics, Wolves, Kings
Current Links between teams already on books?:
Revisiting 2017 NBA Draft Picks 76ers Lakers Kings
Analyzing The Sixers-Kings Trade Piece-by-Piece
Position That The Philadelphia 76ers Need To Target In Trade
Los Angeles Lakers
Current Likelihood of Trade for Nerlens Noel? WARM
For more NBA Rumors between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers:
NBA Rumors: The Philadelphia 76ers Pursue Jordan Clarkson
Are the Sixers and Lakers Making a Trade?
NBA Rumors: Philadelphia 76ers linked to Los Angeles Lakers
NBA Rumors: Pelicans, Lakers, 76ers in three team swap?
Current Links between teams already on books?:
Revisiting 2017 NBA Draft Picks 76ers Lakers Kings
Los Angeles Lakers Success Pushing Pick To Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers Find Los Angeles Lakers 2017 First Round Pick Growing In Value
New Orleans Pelicans
Fit: Very Hot
Interest:Neutral
Public Sentiment: Warm
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New Orleans Pelicans
No team in the NBA needs one of the starting NBA centers more than the New Orleans Pelicans. Despite the incredible talent of power forward Anthony Davis, the team has struggled to improve from one year to the next.
Complicating the matter is the fact that the Houston Rockets signed on two free agents from the Pelicans: Ryan Anderson and Eric Gordon, and both are doing very well to help the Rockets and new head coach Mike D’Antoni.
That type of news does not bode well for either coaches or front office of the Pelicans.
The Pelicans are 20th in the NBA offensively, and 23rd defensively. While the team has young talent, most of it has pile up in the team’s back court.
If the team has any questions about Buddy Hield and wishes to find Davis a partner for the front court today, this is the team’s window to do so.
Fit: Very Hot
Interest:Neutral
Public Sentiment: Warm
Current Likelihood of Trade for Nerlens Noel? WARM
For more NBA Rumors between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Orleans Pelicans :
NBA Rumors: Pelicans, Lakers, 76ers in three team swap?
Current Links between teams already on books?:
None, but there is the little matter of the upcoming trade deadline.
Miami Heat
Current Likelihood of Trade for Nerlens Noel? Cold
For more NBA Rumors between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Miami Heat :
There are no confirmable rumors between these two teams at this time.
Current Links between teams already on books?:
None, but there is the little matter of the upcoming trade deadline.
Minnesota Timberwolves
Current Likelihood of Trade for Nerlens Noel? WARM
For more NBA Rumors between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Minnesota Timberwolves :
There are no confirmable trade rumors between these two teams.
Current Links between teams already on books?:
None, but there is the little matter of the upcoming trade deadline.
Phoenix Suns
Current Likelihood of Trade for Nerlens Noel? WARM
For more NBA Rumors between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Phoenix Suns:
NBA Rumors: Philadelphia 76ers Linked to Phoenix Suns
NBA Rumors: Nerlens Noel To Houston Rockets Via Phoenix Suns?
Current Links between teams already on books?:
None, but there is the little matter of the upcoming trade deadline.
Brooklyn Nets
Current Likelihood of Trade for Nerlens Noel? COLD
For more NBA Rumors between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Brooklyn Nets:
Current Links between teams already on books?:
Philadelphia 76ers Future NBA Draft Picks
Revisiting 2017 NBA Draft Picks 76ers Lakers Kings
Dallas Mavericks
For the moment, the Mavericks appear to be back on the rise, but at 9-21, there is little hope of a strong playoff run. If the team cannot see the crest of the hill by the trade deadline, it would make sense to give strong consideration towards restocking the shelves.
Fit: Warm
Interest: Warm
Public Sentiment: Warm
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2
Dallas Mavericks
The Dallas Mavericks have been a good team plagued by the untimely matter of injury to center Dirk Nowitzki. Recall this was the team that upped the ante high enough to land former Golden State Warriors player Harrison Barnes, a player very much on the radar of the Philadelphia 76ers for a number of months. But without Nowitzki, the Mavericks limped into the season and flirted with last place.
For the moment, the Mavericks appear to be back on the rise, but at 9-21, there is little hope of a strong playoff run. If the team cannot see the crest of the hill by the trade deadline, it would make sense to give strong consideration towards restocking the shelves.
Fit: Warm
Interest: Warm
Public Sentiment: Warm
Current Likelihood of Trade for Nerlens Noel? WARM
For more NBA Rumors between the Philadelphia 76ers and the Dallas Mavericks:
Philadelphia 76ers Nerlens Noel To Dallas Mavericks Could Work
NBA Trade Rumors: Why The Sixers Should Trade Nerlens Noel To The Mavs
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.
Philadelphia 76ers
Yes, that’s right. There is still a pulse here, and it’s getting stronger. And perhaps we have the public decrying and ranting of Nerlens Noel to thank for it. You see, NBA execs have plenty of risk in their lives each day without embracing it. That’s why the loose cannon persona of Nerlens Noel in recent weeks has chased them all away for the time being.
And that leaves just the Philadelphia 76ers and Nerlens Noel to sort this all out.
#Sixers center Nerlens Noel (left) and Joel Embiid were paired together during some of today's practice. pic.twitter.com/7R8hqGjXzC
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) December 22, 2016
Is this enough to turn Noel’s attention to the positive? It may very well be, and ultimately may be the end game all along. With few takers, and a market value plummeting wit the uncertainty, Noel may have forced his agent into serious talks with the Philadelphia 76ers organization. But does he fit?
Nerlens Noel thinks he & Joel Embiid will be "something to reckon with" on D if/when they play together @DaveZeitlin https://t.co/SMNlAAF0ZW
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) December 22, 2016
It appears that he and Joel Embiid believe that they are indeed compatible.
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.
Hoops Habit
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.