The Washington Wizards could be among the teams looking to trade for Philadelphia 76ers big men Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel.
It may just be a matter of time before the 76ers unload one of their young big men, with the team still open to moving either Jahlil Okafor or Nerlens Noel, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical.
"The Sixers have had periodic trade talks this summer involving Noel and Okafor and plan eventually to move one of them, league sources said. Philadelphia doesn't believe the two players' talents are complementary," Woj wrote.
Okafor's back-to-the-basket moves has made him a legit threat inside the paint, but with a returning Joel Embiid, there is too much option for the 76ers to play the center position. Likewise, Noel would clog Philadelphia's crowded frontcourt as he usually scores from putbacks and dunks, but his defensive upside separates him from the 76ers' other big men.
One of the teams that could explore trading for Okafor or Noel is the Washington Wizards, which, according to CSN Mid-Atlantic's Ben Standing, is possible, but doubtful at this point of time.
"Anything is possible, but at this point, doubtful. The Wizards essentially have $28 million invested at center during each of the next three seasons in Marcin Gortat and Ian Mahinmi. Even if Washington was willing to move, it's unlikely Philadelphia would want a center in return," Standing wrote.
One thing the Wizards have in similar to the 76ers is their frontcourt logjam. The Wizards have Marcin Gortat and Ian Mahinmi at the five spot, and have plenty of PFs, including Markieff Morris, Andrew Nicholson and Jason Smith.
Adding another offensive big man in exchange for another big man won't cut down the crowded frontcourt for both teams, but it would be intriguing for the Wizards to add a defensive big like Noel.
"If a third team gets involved or the Wizards dangle Kelly Oubre Jr. or Otto Porter, well, who knows. Of the two, Noel would be the more interesting fit with Washington's roster," Standing noted.
It is highly unlikely the Sixers want a big man in return if they are able to deal Noel, but an outside shooter in return should give Philly something to think about. A three-way trade with the Lakers could work for the 76ers and Wizards.
In a trade scenario that works on ESPN's trade machine, the 76ers would send Noel to the Wizards, while acquiring Nick Young from the Lakers. Washington then sends Otto Porter Jr. to Los Angeles to complete the deal.
Young struggled with the Lakers last season, only averaging 7.3 points on 33.9 percent shooting from the field, but the 31-year-old is still a capable outside threat if in his best form. Adding Young would give the 76ers a scorer off the bench, who can make his own shots and serve as a spot-up shooter.
Meanwhile, Porter would give the Lakers a young talented small forward, fitting to grow alongside LA's own core of youngsters. Porter, who averaged 11.6 points, while shooting 36.7 percent from the three-point line, would be an ideal piece for Luke Walton's small-ball schemes.
It is unclear whether the Wizards would have a genuine interest in adding Noel to their lineup, much less giving up Porter on a potential deal. But it is something Washington should explore, especially with Noel readily available in the trade market.
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