Nerlens Noel of the Philadelphia 76ers is the hot name over at the NBA trade rumor mill and is being linked to a possible deal involving the Boston Celtics.
Noel has long been mentioned as likely moving, something that dates back to last season. Things jumped up a level when the Sixers took in Ben Simmons, another forward who is allegedly being considered to play point guard.
But Noel’s case goes beyond Simmons. There is word that former top pick Joel Embiid could be finally making his NBA debut. Also, Dario Saric is another forward that will cramp up the Sixers front court.
Don’t forget Okafor
The mix doesn’t even include Jahlil Okafor, another player tied up to the Boston Celtics. With that said, the Sixers could do well to unload one of their forwards no matter how talented they may be.
Noel and Okafor are the ones plaguing the headlines even before the 2016 NBA Draft. There were scenarios involving either or both but nothing has transpired. With a long way to go before the regular season, anything can happen.
Will Celtics be a good fit?
Aside from the fact that Noel seems open to the idea of moving to the Celtics, can he fit in perfectly to the system of head coach Brad Stevens?
The Celtics previously acquired Al Horford and having Noel as his bruise brother could be daunting. But who will Danny Ainge dangle?
There are a couple of players mentioned – Marcus Smart and James Young. The deal would make sense for the sixers since they do have to beef up their backcourt. Smart, someone seen with potential, has failed to blossom mainly due to Isaiah Thomas and Avery Bradley at the helm.
A move to Philly could be that opportunity for Smart but will he (and Young) be enough to get the deal done? The trade (if consummated) seems logical but will both the Celtics and the Sixers agree to it?
