The Philadelphia 76ers could work a deal with the Toronto Raptors for Cory Joseph and Terrence Ross at the expense of Nerlens Noel.
The 76ers and Raptors could be ideal trade partners before the deadline. Philadelphia is in need of a reliable point guard, while Toronto could use a defensive big man to fill the void left by Bismack Biyombo.
While no deals are imminent, Owen Nelson of The Sixer Sense, a fan site hosted by Sports Illustrated, explored the possibility of both teams working out a deal that would see the Sixers sending Noel to the Raptors for Joseph and Ross.
"Noel would fit rather nice into the Raptors starting lineup and give them the rim protection that they are missing from the exiting Bismack Biyombo," Nelson wrote.
"Trading for Noel might just give the Raptors enough firepower to contend for the 2nd seed in the East and give the Cavs a good run in the playoffs if they match up."
Despite the Raptors' steady run early in the season, the team ranks 10th in the league in points allowed in the paint, displaying the lack of a defensive big man. Adding Noel instantly address such need, but it is unclear whether Toronto is willing to give up Joseph and Ross, who has played essential roles for the Raptors in the past season.
Acquiring Joseph and Ross would give the 76ers solid backcourt pieces. Joseph, who is averaging 6.7 points this season, has been effectively playing as backup point guard behind Kyle Lowry, while Ross' 10.7 points a game this season are also crucial to the Raptors' second unit.
There were trade discussions in the offseason between the 76ers and Raptors involving Noel and Ross and talks about the rumored deal could be revisited, with Jared Sullinger sidelined, according to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Ross could be a likely trade chip, having been linked to trade rumors in the past, but the 76ers' desires to add a bona fide playmaker should also see Joseph included in any potential deal.
The 76ers seem they are not in a hurry to deal Noel, who is still recuperating from a knee injury. But once the 22-year-old center returns in full health, expect the Raptors to pursue a deal with the 76ers.
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