Philadelphia 76ers big man Nerlens Noel is becoming a tempting target for the Boston Celtics, who remain interested in further improving their roster this season.
The 76ers and Noel were not able to reach a contract extension, making the 22-year-old center a restricted free agent in the summer of 2017. While Philadelphia owns the right to match any offer sheets that Noel would receive, many teams would certainly consider wooing the former sixth overall pick.
One of the teams that could make a run at Noel is the Boston Celtics, who have long been interested in adding the Sixers big man to their lineup. According to Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe, the Celtics are expected to pursue Noel in free agency and pair him with Al Horford.
"The Celtics have long admired Noel, so don't be surprised if they make an offer next summer, hoping to pair the Everett native with Al Horford in the frontcourt," Washburn wrote.
There is a growing sense the 76ers are ready to move on from Noel, with the team needing to address their crowded frontcourt. It is also no secret that the Celtics are still open to exploring deals that would speed up the process of becoming legit title contenders.
It remains to be seen whether the Celtics would pull the trigger on a deal involving Noel, but with plenty of trade chips and future assets at their disposal, the team has a good chance of luring Philadelphia to let go of Noel.
Adding Noel would give the Celtics a defensive big man, whom they could partner with Horford. Noel's presence would allow the Horford to play his natural position at the four spot and focus on the offensive end, while the former anchors the Celtics' interior defense.
The 76ers are in desperate need of a reliable playmaker, which means any potential deal would probably include Celtics backup point guard Marcus Smart. The Celtics could also include another player down the rotation to sweeten up the deal and match Noel's trade value in the market.
However, dealing for Noel, who has yet to play this season due to a minor knee surgery may not significantly push the Celtics into title contention. But his addition would give Boston a better start to becoming title contenders.
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