The Toronto Raptors could target Philadelphia 76ers big man Nerlens Noel as plan B if Bismack Biyombo joins another team this summer.
The Raptors face a difficult situation of retaining their free agents, with the team only having a projected max cap space of $23 million to pursue players in the market.
DeMar DeRozan, the Raptors' star free agent this summer, is expected to seek a max contract, as well as Bismack Biyombo, who could net a significant raise after increasing his value following his emergence for Toronto during the playoffs. With DeRozan expected to remain with the Raptors, it would be unlikely for the team to also retain Biyombo, who averaged 5.5 points, 8.0 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game last season.
According to Zach Lowe of ESPN, the Raptors could be forced to move "at least one big deal" for them to keep hold of Biyombo this summer. Lowe revealed that the Raptors have already approached the 76ers in a potential deal that would bring Nerlens Noel to the North as a backup plan in case Biyombo does bolt out of Toronto.
"Toronto has already approached Philly about a deal sending out a rotation player -- perhaps Terrence Ross, and other goodies -- in exchange for Nerlens Noel, who could then assume Biyombo's backup center role, according to league sources. The talks haven't gained much traction yet," Lowe wrote.
Noel, who has been linked to numerous trade talks, would be a perfect replacement for Biyombo as the 22-year-old also offers rim protection, averaging 1.5 blocks per game for the Sixers last season. Noel could also contribute in terms of scoring after posting 11.1 points and his size and length should be a difference make on the defensive end.
The Raptors have a flurry of big man in their roster, and may have created a frontcourt jam after selecting Jakob Poeltl and Pascal Siakam in this year's draft. But a deal would for Noel would probably include either of the team's young big men or a shooter, which the 76ers need in their attempts to build around first overall pick Ben Simmons.
The 76ers have been all around the trade rumors, and it could only be a matter of time before they make a deal involving Noel and other tradable assets. It would be interesting to see if Philly could consider such a trade scenario, but considering the amount of teams interested to acquire the likes of Noel, the 76ers could try exploring other options for their young big man.