Nerlens Noel (Photo : Getty Images)
Philadelphia 76ers big man Nerlens Noel could be a strong possibility for the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers in the summer of 2017.
The 76ers are widely expected to address their frontcourt logjam this offseason, sparking never-ending speculations about trading Jahlil Okafor or Noel. While many believe Okafor as the likely expendable piece, Noel has also been rumored to be the odd man out in Philadelphia.
However, teams could be hesitant to trade for Noel, who is entering the final year of his four-year $14.3 million with the Sixers. His contract situation could make him a one-year rental for teams this season, unless Noel can be convinced to take up an extension.
There is a chance Noel could be offered big money once he becomes a restricted free agent next summer. According to George Kondoleon of Section 215, a fan site hosted by Sports Illustrated, among the teams that could throw in a huge contract to Noel are the Celtics and the Lakers.
The Lakers would be a perfect destination for Noel, with LA boasting a young talented team to match Noel's youth and athleticism. The Lakers' building blocks for a better future are all set at every positions, but adding Noel would give the Purple and Gold a more promising roster that could be legit title contenders in the next half decade.
"Noel could be the anchor to a growing young team that could match the Philadelphia 76ers in competitiveness the next half decade. The Lakers and Nets could both throw big money at Noel," Kondoleon wrote.
The Celtics could also lure Noel into playing for his hometown next summer. The Celtics have been consistently linked to a potential deal for Noel this offseason, and if any of their attempts fails, they are still expected to pursue the 76ers center in the 2017 free agency.
"Noel's full potential will come playing with a quick guard, and the Celtics have that in Isaiah Thomas. The fit and the situation are seemingly perfect, and the Celtics will go hard at their hometown player."
With plenty of top names available in next year's free agency, the Celtics and Lakers are expected to fix their sights on the likes of Blake Griffin, Stephen Curry and possibly Kevin Durant. But Noel, who averages 10.5 points and 8.1 rebounds, should be one of the desirable second tier players in both teams' list next summer.
