The Golden State Warriors could explore trading for Nerlens Noel, who appears displeased about the Philadelphia 76ers' frontcourt logjam.
There is no denying the immense talent of the Warriors' starting lineup, particularly on the offensive end. With a starting core of Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry, it would hardly be a problem for Golden State to find a way to shoot the ball. However, interior defense could be something the Warriors must address this season, especially after the team lost shot-blocking big man Andrew Bogut this offseason.
One possible option the Warriors may consider to improve their defense inside the paint is Philadelphia 76ers big man Nerlens Noel, but any potential deal would likely cost Golden State Shaun Livingston as suggested in recent rumors.
Noel's defense would be an ideal fit for Steve Kerr's defensive schemes for the Warriors. The 6-foot-11 center can cover up the four and five spots and would be the perfect rim-protector for the Warriors off the bench.
Noel has been touted as the likely candidate to get traded by the 76ers in hopes of addressing the team's frontcourt logjam. But in light of Ben Simmons' unfortunate injury, Philadelphia could be reluctant to deal Noel, who has recently expressed concerns over the 76ers' center situation.
"I think it's just silly . . . this situation that we are in now with three starting centers," Noel said, reports the Philadelphia Inquirer. "With the departure of [former general manager and president] Sam Hinkie, I would have figured that management would be able to get something done this summer."
It is unclear whether the 76ers would truly consider trading Noel now that Simmons will be sidelined for a lengthy time. But would Philadelphia consider such deal for Shaun Livingston?
Many expected Simmons to be the 76ers' top playmaker, but aside from the Aussie phenom, only Jerryd Bayless offers legit point guard skills for Philly. Adding Livingston would not only help fill the void left by Simmons, but would also provide the 76ers leadership and championship experience.
It may be hard to envision the Warriors trading away their best backup point guard, who has been an essential piece to the franchise's success in the past two seasons. But Patrick McCaw's emergence as a potential backcourt talent could give way to a Noel-Livingston swap, which works on ESPN's trade machine.
The Warriors have yet to show genuine interest in trading for Noel, but it remains a strong possibility, especially if Golden State's super team fails to yield promising results.
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