Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor (Photo : Getty Images)
The Philadelphia 76ers could consider trading both Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel, with the team finding an effective frontcourt combination in Ersan Ilyasova and Joel Embiid.
It could only be a matter of time before the 76ers address their crowded frontcourt. Either Okafor or Noel has been touted by many as the likely odd man out in Philadelphia, but according to Bob Brookover of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Sixers could consider dealing both before the February 2017 deadline, with Ilyasova showing effectiveness playing alongside Embiid.
"We're still a long way from the final decision, but it is starting to appear more and more as if the best combination with Embiid will not include either Okafor or Noel. The solution to this 'big' problem could be and should be trading both of them because it's obvious Embiid works best with a power forward who can also shoot and defend on the perimeter," Brookover wrote.
Ilyasova has proven to be the ideal tandem for Embiid, the 76ers' present and future superstar. Philadelphia has long been needing an outside threat, and Ilyasova immediately fill that role after the Oklahoma City Thunder traded the 29-year-old forward to the 76ers for Jerami Grant earlier this season, averaging a career-high 14.9 points on 47.1 percent shooting from the field, including 40 percent from beyond the arc.
Sixers head coach Brett Brown said he is pleased by what he is seeing in the frontcourt duo of Embiid and Ilyasova. After recording their ninth win this season against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Brown insisted the two are creating chemistry, with Ilyasova allowing Embiid to showcase his inside game.
"I do say what you see now is really pleasing. I think they complement each other well. They seem to have a chemistry and camaraderie together. Even though it's very early days, I think Ersan has allowed Joel to play," Brown said.
Trading Okafor and Noel won't be too difficult for the 76ers, with a handful teams needing a defensive and scoring big man. Teams like the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers could be among the possible destinations for the young big men, according to Jessica Camerato of CSN Philly.
There are plenty ways the Cavs could use Okafor and Noel in their lineup. Okafor could be the top scoring option inside the paint, which would give the defending champs an added key cog on the offensive end.
Likewise, Noel could boost the Cavs' interior defense, with Chris Andersen out for the rest of the season with a torn ACL suffered last year. However, the Cavs do not have much assets that could interest the 76ers.
The Celtics, on the other hand, have the assets to make a potential deal work. The likes of Avery Bradley, Marcus Smart and the Brooklyn Nets' pick would create an enticing package for a deal involving Noel or Okafor. Noel's defensive ability would give Boston the much-needed interior defense and rim protection, while Okafor could help Al Horford scorer inside the paint, giving the Celtics a scary offensive frontcourt tandem.
Sixers general manager Bryan Colangelo has insisted he is not planning to actively pursue a trade involving Noel or Okafor just for the sake of a deal. But time is running out for the 76ers, with the trade deadline drawing near. Either way, the 76ers are still expected to make a move, and Noel and Okafor are the possible trade chips.
Video courtesy: YouTube/FreeDawkins
For more of the latest NBA trade rumors, follow @hoopsdontstop30 on Twitter.
