Nerlens Noel reacts during a game for the Philadelphia 76ers. (Photo : Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
The Golden State Warriors found out at the start of the season that they have some problems to solve like defense and rebounding. The latest rumors imply that the Warriors might make a move for Nerlens Noel of the Philadelphia 76ers wherein they will trade Zaza Pachulia and Kevon Looney.
The Warriors have a good record at 6-2 but they know that they need to improve their defense inside as well as their rebounding. Even though they have four All-Stars, the team knows that they cannot outscore their opponents every night.
Also, Klay Thompson seems to have been most affected by the addition of Kevin Durant as he is struggling to get his usual shots. However, the absence of Andrew Bogut might be the biggest hole that the Warriors have to fix.
Pachulia, Durant, Draymond Green and David West are doing a great job in defending the inside but it is not enough. The Warriors know that they need to add a big man inside to bother shots and rebound the ball.
According to Arthur Hill of Hoops Rumors, one of the possible targets for the Warriors at the deadline is Noel. The 22-year-old has been rumored to be getting traded once he returns from a knee injury that has sidelined him since the start of the season.
Hill believes that the Sixers are not going to give Noel a rookie-scale extension which means they have to trade him at the deadline. The Kentucky product is a perfect fit in Golden State since he is a great interior defender and shot blocker while also being a decent rebounder.
"If you're looking for a realistic long shot, how about Nerlens Noel? He didn't get a rookie scale extension, so the Sixers wouldn't mind dealing him before he becomes a restricted free agent. And his salary is only $4,384,490, so in theory, he could be had for a combination of Pachulia and Kevon Looney," Hill reported.
However, it should be noted that Noel is still out with an injury and the Sixers know that they have to showcase him before dangling him again in the trade market. According to ESPN, he underwent surgery on his left knee at the end of October and he is expected to miss three to five weeks.
Check out the video below to see some of Noel's highlights from the 2014-15 NBA season.
