Nerlens Noel (Photo : Getty Images)
The Philadelphia 76ers could choose between Ricky Rubio and Tyreke Evans as potential returns in trading away Nerlens Noel.
It has been a never ending circle of rumors surrounding the 76ers as they attempt to unload one of their young big men to address the team's crowded frontcourt. Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel are the likely candidates to get dealt this season, but many expect the latter to become the odd man out in Philadelphia.
There are plenty of trade options the 76ers could explore and they could also use Noel to address their own needs. It is no secret that Philadelphia needs shooters to free up some space inside the paint, allowing their bigs to operate freely. But there is also a need for the 76ers to acquire another reliable point guard to take some pressure off Ben Simmons carrying the playmaking duties for Philly.
CBS Sports' Zach Harper listed trade scenarios the 76ers may consider for Noel, and among the possible options are potential trades with the Minnesota Timberwolves and New Orleans Pelicans.
In Harper's trade proposals, the Timberwolves could offer Ricky Rubio, Shabazz Muhammad and a future second-round pick for Noel and Hollis Thompson, while the Pelicans may send Tyreke Evans, Quincy Pondexter and a 2017 first-rounder for the 22-year-old center alone.
Both packages would be intriguing for the 76ers as these consists of pieces to address the team's needs.
Rubio, who averaged 10.1 points and 8.6 assists per game last season, would give the 76ers a pass-first point guard who can share some ball-handling responsibilities with Simmons, allowing the Aussie phenom to develop his offense.
Muhammad should also provide help offensively with his perimeter shooting, averaging 10.5 points a game on 46.5 percent shooting from the field. At 23, Muhammad also fits the 76ers' core of young talents.
On the other hand, Evans would give Philly a prolific scorer at the backcourt who can also serve as a reliable ball-handler. Evans only played 25 games with the Pelicans last season due to a season-ending knee injury, but made most of his outings, averaging 15.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game.
Pondexter did not play last season due to a left knee injury, but his averages were promising before the setback shut him down for a full-year.
While it draft picks would be enticing for the 76ers, trading for a pair of injury-prone players may not be a good return for Philadelphia. Ironically, it would also not bode well for Noel getting traded to a Timberwolves team stacked with frontcourt talents.
There should be plenty of better options the 76ers could explore for Noel, whose defensive skills seem in demand for contending teams. But if the 76ers feels they need to rush on moving Noel, these deal seems viable options for Philadelphia, especially with future draft picks involved.
Video courtesy: YouTube/FreeDawkins
