Victor Oladipo (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Orlando and Philadelphia are rumored to be plotting a swap for one of their core of young talents, with the Magic sending Victor Oladipo for 76ers' big man Nerlens Noel.
In a Twitter post from Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, a fan proposed an exchange of superstar potentials between Oladipo and Noel. Kyler noted that there are no signs both teams could do the deal, but explained that the Magic and the 76ers have too many players at the same spot.
The Magic has Oladipo, Mario Hezonja, Elfrid Payton, CJ Watson, and Shabazz Napier at the shooting guard and point guard positions.
Although, Hezonja and Oladipo are listed as SGs, they are still part of the team's crowded backcourt that creates a log at the guard spot when the team plays small-ball.
On the other hand, the 76ers have a plethora of young big men in Joel Embiid, Nerlens Noel, and Jahlil Okafor.
Embiid will not play this season, leaving the team with only Noel and Okafor as their primary centers.
Both players are valuable trade assets, but with Okafor showing more potential than Noel, it is likely that the 76ers trade the latter.
The trade makes sense for both teams as they do have too many players at the same spot. But what makes it more reasonable is the Magic's need of another solid big man and the 76ers' lack of output from their backcourt.
The Magic's only reliable center is Nikola Vucevic, who plays 29.0 minutes per game this season. His only backup at the five position as Dewayne Dedmon, who only contributes 4.8 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.
Bringing in Noel's average of 10.1 points and 8.4 rebounds per game would instantly solidify the Magic's center position.
Meanwhile, Oladipo, who was designated by coach Scott Skiles to the bench because of too many players at the same position, could provide Philadelphia a more reliable scorer at the guard position.
So far, Isaiah Canaan is the only 76ers guard who is contributing well for the team with his 10.6 points per contest. Adding Oladipo to the lineup would give the 76ers a better player at the backcourt field with his 13.7 points and 3.5 assists average per game.
According to Real GM trade checker, a straight swap of Oladipo for Noel is possible, but a potential deal may also involve another player or future lottery picks.
While there is no confirmation yet from both teams about a potential roster shakeup, Oladipo and Noel are shaping to be the odd men out of their respective teams.
