The Boston Celtics could send Marcus Smart or Avery Bradley as trade pieces in a potential deal for Philadelphia 76ers big man Nerlens Noel.
The Celtics have emerged as the likely destination for Nerlens Noel, who is becoming the odd man out in Philadelphia. CSNNE's A. Sherrod Blakely claimed that while Noel has yet to demand a trade from the 76ers, the 22-year-old big man is "very open" to be moved.
"Noel has not asked for a trade, but multiple league sources told CSNNE.com that he is 'very open' to being traded if the Sixers decide to make that decision," Blakely wrote.
"Another league source contacted by CSNNE.com on Thursday morning indicated that the Celtics still have a high level of interest in Noel but no deal is imminent."
Bringing in Noel would help provide depth to the Celtics' frontcourt led by All-Star center Al Horford. With Noel to anchor the defensive end, it would allow Horford to focus more on scoring and should give him leverage in utilizing his perimeter game.
Noel, who averaged 11.1 points and 8.1 rebounds per game last season, may not be the final piece the Celtics have been looking for, but acquiring him should help Boston solidify itself as a threat in the East.
It is unclear whether the Celtics already have a proposed deal for the 76ers, but Jonathan Kelly of The Sixers Sense, a fan site hosted by Sports Illustrated, has explored two trade scenarios that Boston may consider to land Noel, one of which would see Marcus Smart and the 2017 first round pick going to the 76ers.
Dealing for a point guard and a backcourt piece is probably what the 76ers should prefer, considering their lack of depth at the said areas. While Smart isn't known for his outside shooting, his presence should give the 76ers a PG who can attack the rim and provide defense at the backcourt. And with the 2017 draft pick included, that should sweeten up the pot for Philly.
However, it is highly unlikely the Celtics would give up their prized future draft pick for a player like Noel. Another trade scenario, according to Kelly, that could also work is a straight up swap of Avery Bradley for Noel.
"Assuming this trade happens, it would clear the Sixers logjam while dramatically improving a key hole in the roster. These are the most realistic trade scenarios that I could see happening between the Celtics and Sixers. Both trades would appear to help both teams so I am hoping they can manage to get a deal done shortly," Kelly wrote.
Bradley is an excellent defender and should no doubt improve the Sixers' outside shooting with a career percentage of 43.8 shooting from the field, including 36.0 from downtown. While Bradley isn't listed as a savvy floor commander, his ability to handle the ball should take some pressure off Ben Simmons.
The only remaining concern for his deal is the Celtics' willingness to part ways with one of their key players essential to the team's success in recent years.
Despite lacking a proven star in their fold, the Celtics were able to sneak into the playoffs albeit a short-lived one. Nevertheless, the likes of Avery Bradley and Marcus Smart have proven they can be effective role players night in and night out.
Noel seems a significant addition to a contending team like the Celtics. But at this point, it does not appear Boston is ready to move their tradable assets for Noel.