Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor (Photo : Getty Images)
The Denver Nuggets are reportedly plotting a move to land a top-big man following the team's series of injuries, most recently Wilson Chandler, who suffered a season-ending hip injury.
According to Mile High Sports, the Nuggets are projected to target Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel of the Philadelphia 76ers.
Okafor, the third overall pick in this year's NBA draft, has been putting up impressive numbers for the 76ers. In his first eight games in the NBA, Okafor averaged 20.6 points and 6.9 rebounds per game.
He was touted as the frontrunner to claim the Rookie of the Year award with his overall game and effectiveness on the court despite his rookie status.
However, it is hard to imagine the 76ers would let go of Okafor, considering the potential he has in becoming one of the best centers in the league, as well as his potential to attract big-name free agents in the future.
Noel, on the other hand, is originally listed as a power forwards but his length makes him good enough to play at the five position.
Noel is also playing good basketball for the 76ers, posting 12.2 points and 9.8 rebounds per contest in six games.
Both Noel and Okafor would give the Nuggets the much-needed presence at the center position, which the team has been lacking for the last couple of years.
But what are the players the Nuggets could give up if the trade goes down?
Denver does not have too many tradable assets, but the Nuggets could give the 76ers a veteran player who can lead the team's young core of talents.
According to Real GM, a straight swap of JJ Hickson for Noel would be possible, but considering how the trend of the 76ers are heading, they would surely ask for additional lottery picks.
However, it is unlikely that the 76ers give up two of their potential franchise players, although Philly has a reputation of trading their some of their top picks just like what they did in February when they traded Michael Cartier-Williams and KJ McDaniels to the Milwaukee Bucks and Houston Rockets, respectively.
Meanwhile, the chances for the Nuggets to make a trade before deadline becomes more probable with players continue to pile up in the team's injured list.
