The Toronto Raptors are reportedly in talks with the Philadelphia 76ers for a potential trade deal involving defensive-oriented big man Nerlens Noel, ESPN NBA Sr. writer Zach Lowe has confirmed.
Lowe mentioned the rumored discussion between the Raptors and the 76ers as one of the deals likely to materialize over the next few weeks.
While the Raptors remain one of the elite teams in the Eastern Conference, the lack of established talent in their frontline is preventing the team from taking off.
Behind starting center Jonas Valanciunas, the Raptors big men rotation is very thin with rookies Pascal Siakam and Jakob Poeltl filling the void left by injured forward Jared Sullinger (foot).
Lowe believes the Raptors are indeed searching for options to beef up their frontline, particularly their interior defense.
"Lowe confirms a couple trade rumors that have been reported in the past, noting that the Raptors and Sixers discussed a possible deal that would have sent Nerlens Noel to Toronto for Terrence Ross and at least one other piece."
Basketball Insiders writer Steve Kyler recently brought up the Sixers' willingness to deal Noel than Jahlil Okafor to solve their frontline logjam. Noel, who is eligible for contract extension after this season, has expressed displeasure of the team's frontline situation.
"According to BI writer, however, the Sixers "don't have much desire" to trade Okafor. Kyler tweets that Noel is the more likely trade candidate, as he and the team are "not on the same page at all."
Noel, who is scheduled to return from a knee injury this December, averaged 10.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game through the first two seasons of his career.
The Raptors have been linked several times to a potential move for Noel, but no deal has been reached. However, NBA experts are expecting the Raptors to make a bold move on the trading block, given their current situation.
