There's a lot of talk surrounding Philadelphia 76ers big man Nerlens Noel. Rumor has it that Noel might leave the team especially that Joel Embiid and Jahlil Okafor are playing phenomenal this season. NBA trade rumors are abuzz that Noel might go back to the team that drafted him, the New Orleans Pelicans.
ESPN reported that the Sixers prefer to keep Okafor and Embiid to be its centerpiece at the frontcourt. Embiid has proven himself to be a reliable center regardless of being sidelined for the past two years. Okafor's stats have also been improving since he was drafted in 2015 averaging 10.2 PPG, 3.3 RPG and 1.2 BLKPG this season.
With the Sixers' frontcourt lineup all set, it appears that the team wants to dispose of one of its big men who hasn't been in the rotation for the past months. It's definitely not Ben Simmons, though he's also recovering from an injury he got in the preseason. Noel would be the best option for the team to shop right now according to The Sixer Sense.
Noel would be a restricted free agent in 2017 according to Spotrac which is why a lot of NBA trade rumors are hovering around the big man. The Sixers need to make a quick decision if they want to trade him or they would lose Noel for nothing.
A lot of teams are now hoping to acquire Noel but NBA trade rumors have spread that the New Orleans Pelicans might need help in the frontcourt. The Pelicans had a rough start this season and acquiring a talented big man like Noel might get some load off of Anthony Davis' shoulders.
The Pelicans have Omer Asik as their starting center but he's not getting any younger. Asik would have a hard time competing with younger and more athletic big men in the league. Noel would be a perfect fit who can play center position alongside Davis.
Noel is nearing free agency and the trade deadline is just around the corner. It's possible for these NBA trade rumors to happen as the NBA season progresses.
