Nerlens Noel (Photo : Getty Images)
The Toronto Raptors may need to add another big man in their rotation to become legit contenders in the East, and among the few viable options the team could look into are Philadelphia 76ers' Nerlens Noel, Milwaukee Bucks' Greg Monroe and Memphis Grizzlies' Zach Randolph.
The Raptors are still expected to make a playoff run, but doubts over their supremacy in the East has begun to start after losing key players like Bismack Biyombo in free agency. While Toronto did retain DeMar DeRozan and was able to add Jared Sullinger this summer, there is still a need for the Raptors to add a solid big man who can provide them depth at the frontcourt.
According to Arthur Hill of Hoops Rumors, Monroe, Noel and Randolph are all among the potential trade targets for the Raptors.
"Greg Monroe in Milwaukee is an obvious target. Another is the Sixers' Nerlens Noel. A longer shot might be Zach Randolph, who has already been demoted to a reserve role in Memphis and is headed toward free agency. Any of them would make the Raptors a bigger threat to Cleveland in the East," Hill wrote.
Both Monroe and Randolph can contribute on the offensive end and crash the board for the Raptors, but considering the hole left by Biyombo, Noel seems a logical choice for Toronto.
Noel, who averaged 1.5 blocks per game for the Sixers last season, provides the Raptors a defensive big man who can protect the rim and anchor the team's interior defense. The 22-year-old center's ability to finish at the rim would also give the Raptors another scoring option at the frontcourt.
Noel has been linked to the Raptors in the past, with Terrence Ross as the main piece in the potential trade deal. According to The Star, any of those talks fell apart on draft night after Toronto asked for more from the 76ers.
However, with the 76ers in need of addressing their crowded frontcourt, the timing could be right for the Raptors to acquire Noel, who becomes a restricted free agent next summer. Philly could certainly use an outside threat to help space the floor and allow their big men to operate inside the paint.
It is unclear whether the Raptors would consider such move, but the team has all the assets to make a deal possible. Nevertheless, it would behoove the Raptors to further improve their lineup if they wish to contend for a title this season.
Video courtesy: YouTube/DownToBuck
