Philadelphia 76ers big man Nerlens Noel could end up joining the San Antonio Spurs if rumored deals with the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers won't happen.
There has been plenty of speculations about the 76ers dealing one of their big men, and most of the rumors see Nerlens Noel as the odd man out in Philadelphia. The Cavs and Celtics have been projected as potential destinations for Noel, but if any of the rumored deals involving these teams fail, the 76ers cannot afford to play the season with a crowded young frontcourt.
According to Lucas Johnson of The Sixer Sense, a fan site hosted by Sports Illustrated, the Spurs may appear as an intriguing landing spot for Noel should the 76ers ultimately decide on trading the 22-year-old center.
"With Tim Duncan gone, the team can make a mini shift towards a micro-rebuild that could benefit the franchise for years to come. Having a young big like Noel could do wonders for the franchise. Have a core of Noel, Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge, along with the aging Gasol would help the Spurs be right up there with the Golden State Warriors for the years to come," Johnson wrote.
The Spurs seem all set with their frontcourt rotation after adding Pau Gasol and David Lee this summer. While both big men's presence should help fill the void left by Duncan, Gasol and Lee are also nearing the end of their illustrious careers.
Moreover, Gasol and Lee aren't known for their defense. Among the Spurs' frontcourt options, only Dewayne Dedmon looks promising to anchor the team's defense inside the paint. Adding Noel, who averaged 1.5 blocks and 1.8 steals last season, would give the Spurs a boost on the defensive end, allowing the likes of Gasol and Aldridge to focus on the offensive side.
However, the Spurs do not have much assets to offer the 76ers except Kyle Anderson, who can "grow with the young Sixers roster that can make an immediate impact," according to Johnson.
"Anderson will always be stuck behind Leonard position wise and he has shown flashes of potential during his short time in the NBA. The Spurs do like Anderson and might not like to trade him but this would be the most fair trade."
Anderson, who averaged 4.5 points and 3.1 rebounds last season, has been one of the Spurs' surprising talents in the past two seasons, but his very limited minutes do not allow him to showcase his full potential. With Kawhi Leonard not expected to have a decreased role anytime soon, there is not much room for Anderson to develop into an elite wing.
On the other hand, Anderson would give the 76ers depth at the small forward position, and his versatility should boost the team's performance on both ends of the floor.
It remains to be seen whether the Spurs have any interests in acquiring Noel, but the increasing likelihood of the Golden State Warriors dominating the league may force San Antonio to explore such deal.