Philadelphia 76ers big man Nerlens Noel has been sidelined for the past months since he underwent a knee surgery in October. The big man has been reported to make a comeback anytime soon even though there is no specific timetable. But with the trade deadline nearing, NBA trade rumors have it that the Sixers might need to make a move now which would have Noel return to the league but not in a Sixers jersey.

ESPN reported that the 22 -year old big man might return to the team in a Sunday game against the Detroit Pistons. He has been playing for the Delaware 87ers, the Sixers D-League affiliate, and has been showing some signs of life which could be a hint for his return.

It's a good sign for the Sixers but there are lots of factors that head coach Brett Brown needs to consider. If Noel is cleared to play, Brown could play him and showcase his talents so that other teams might be interested in him.

But one thing that coach Brown would also be worried about is it would affect the team's rotation if he just integrates Noel into the system right away. The Sixers frontcourt lineup is already crowded with Joel Embiid and Jahlil Okafor in the roster. If Brown wants to showcase Noel, he would really give him a lot of minutes and risk the team's chances of winning with someone who has been sidelined for months.

Noel has been the odd man out which resulted to some NBA trade rumors about him. According to Bleacher Report, he is the most dispensable piece and there are reports about different teams interested in Noel like the Portland Trail Blazers, New Orleans Pelicans, Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers.

The Sixers are faced with a dilemma if they would trade Noel now and have him return to a different team. They could also wait a little bit, play him and maybe increase his trade value a little bit. These NBA trade rumors are not far from happening with the trade deadline just around the corner.