The Philadelphia 76ers and Toronto Raptors could be working out a deal involving Nerlens Noel, who could be joining another team before the trade deadline.
The Raptors have been linked to trade rumors involving Nerlens Noel in the past few months, but it seems Toronto is becoming serious about acquiring the 22-year-old center. According to ESPN's Marc Stein, the Raptors have once again expressed interest in Noel, who has expressed concerns over the 76ers' crowded frontcourt.
"The Raptors are among the teams that have expressed interest in Philadelphia's very available Nerlens Noel, but sources say Toronto's initial preference in the wake of losing Jared Sullinger (foot) to injury is to give more minutes to various younger players (such as rookies Pascal Siakam and Jakob Poeltl) so they get first crack at filling the void," Stein wrote.
After losing Bismack Biyombo in free agency, the Raptors have a glaring need of acquiring a defensive big man who can protect the rim and anchor the team's interior defense, making Noel a logical trade target for Toronto. Noel, who averages a career 1.7 blocks per game, could fill the hole left by Biyombo and offer the Raptors another scoring threat inside the paint.
Trading for Noel would require the Raptors to part ways with one key player down their rotation. Fansided writer Clevis Murray explored a trade scenario that would see the Sixers sending Noel to the Raptors for Cory Joseph and a future first-rounder.
Terrence Ross, who has also been mentioned in recent trade rumors, could also be a trade chip for the Raptors, although it remains to be seen whether Toronto would consider dealing both players, who have been essential in the team's success.
Moreover, Noel's health could also be a concern for the Raptors. Noel underwent minor knee surgery before the start of the season and is not expected to return for another 3 weeks. It also adds up to Noel's history of injuries, having suffered knee injuries in the past and missed his entire rookie season recuperating from a torn ACL.
There is no denying what Noel can do when in full health, but it may not be worth the deal for Toronto if he continues to have injury problems this season.
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