Nerlens Noel (Photo : Getty Images)
Nerlens Noel is one of the few defensive big men available on the trade market, and among the teams expected to pursue the disgruntled center are the Toronto Raptors.
The Raptors are expected to pursue a defensive big man on the trade market, with the team looking to shore up their interior defense after losing Bismack Biyombo in free agency this past summer. Surprisingly, the Raptors are playing decent overall defense this season, with a 104.1 defensive rating, while only allowing 102.4 opponent's points per game. However, it would behoove Toronto to add a rim-protector if the team wants to exceed their postseason bid last year.
Among the players the Raptors could consider is Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel, who is likely to be dealt before the February 2017 trade deadline. Noel could offer rim-protection and solid rebounding for the Raptors, but pursuing him could also be risky for Toronto.
The Raptors are among the teams that would have interest in adding Noel, according to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders. Noel's age and athleticism would be a tremendous boost for the Raptors on the defensive end, but his impending free agency could make it tricky for Toronto, who may need plenty of cap space if ever Kyle Lowry (player option) decides to explore free agency next year.
Moreover, Noel's current trade value is low, which could force the 76ers to keep hold of the 22-year-old center and extend a qualifying offer ranging around $5.8 million, making him an unrestricted free agent in 2018.
According to Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Noel's stock is expected to rise if he accepts a qualifying offer from Philadelphia. This would allow the Sixers to "actually get more back in return by trading him to a playoff contender then."
But these factors make Noel an ideal acquisition for the Raptors before the deadline.
Noel's low trade value means the Raptors could throw in a non-key player and a late first-rounder in any potential deal for the young center. The Raptors would also get to match offers for Noel if they wish to keep him long-term, although, as mentioned above, it would depend if Lowry opts out of his four-year $48 million deal with the Raptors.
Whether the Raptors would make a move to land Noel remains to be seen, but it is a buy-low high-risk deal worth exploring for Toronto.
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