The Toronto Raptors continue their charge this season, toting a 4-1 card. With the 2016-17 NBA season still young, head coach Dwane Casey could look at the road ahead and determine how he can improve his roster.
The word out is that the Raptors are interested in getting Nerlens Noel of the Philadelphia 76ers, someone who has been in the NBA trade rumor mill for quite some time now. The reason behind the interest in Noel is to fill the void left by Jared Sullinger who will be out three months after suffering a stress reaction in his left foot, CBS reported.
Ironically, Noel is also out of action though for a shorter period of time. He underwent knee surgery recently but is expected to return in about 2 to 3 weeks. As far as getting help in a hurry to fill the void left by Sullinger, it could be a sensible idea. But will the Sixers oblige?
As most probably know, the Sixers are left with little options on what to get in exchange for Noel. Contract extension talks have bogged down and the recent injury places questions on the durability of his knees.
Future picks or backup guards are the best Bryan Colangelo and company could look forward to and two names on the Raptors lineup come to mind – Norman Powell and Delon Wright. Both could be dangled in exchange for Noel, filling up the slack in the guard rotation Brett Brown has to work with.
Aside from Powell and Wright, the Raptors do own all their first-round picks for the next five years, Liberty Ballers reported. It could be a combination of either Powell or Wright plus some picks, the most reasonable exchange that the Philly may end up with.
This isn’t the first time that the Raptors have inquired about Noel. Back in June, talk involving Terence Ross was in the air but obviously fizzled. Right now, the ante has been lowered and the final say may be on the Sixers once the Raptors initiate a potential trade deal.
