Nerlens Noel (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Milwaukee Bucks are rumored to be looking for a defensive big man and Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel could be their potential target.
The Bucks are struggling to find their winning ways early in the season as they sit outside the top eight teams of the Eastern Conference with a 7-11 record.
Despite key additions this summer and the arrival of Greg Monroe, the Bucks look like they still need some time to get the team to play well together.
But according to Kevin P. Smith o Real GM, the Bucks' slump can be attributed back to the trade that sent Zaza Pachulia to the Dallas Mavericks.
Tim Penman of Bleacher Report noted that Pachulia was good at defending pick-and-rolls for the Bucks and his defensive presence has left a hole to fill in, which is why Milwaukee "could benefit from trading for a defensive big man in order to balance things out and get them back to their 2014-2015 form."
The Bucks could try to deal for Noel if they are trying to find a defensive big man that could defend the pick-and-roll and protect the rim.
Monroe is more of an offensive-minded center and complimenting him with a player like Noel could solve the Bucks interior defense problems.
Noel may not be stuffing up the stat sheet with averages of only 10.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.0 block per game this season, but his length, versatility, and quickness for a 6-foot-11 would do well as a defensive presence for the Bucks.
The Bucks could send OJ Mayo to the 76ers, along with his expiring contract.
In another story from Bleacher Report, Dan Favale noted that Mayo is the Bucks' most tradable asset.
Favale wrote: "Since the Bucks are unwavering in their commitment to developing for the future, Mayo's expiring contract is more useful to them as a trade chip."
Mayo would give Philadelphia another veteran presence, although he is only averaging 8.1 points on 38.2 percent shooting. But his low contributions is partially because of a hamstring injury, which only limited him to seven games so far.
The ESPN Trade Machine approved this trade scenario, but both teams are would probably include other pieces if this trade goes down.
The Bucks still have time to let their players click, but time is ticking for them if they are indeed trying to find a defensive big man before the trade deadline.
