NBA Rumors 2016: Nerlens Noel and Brandon Knight Already in Trade Talks
In a few days, NBA teams will already have the chance to trade their acquired free agents. By this time, teams should have made assessments regarding what their team needs to improve, and players will be shifted over, changing the landscape of the league.
Here are some of the latest trade rumors.
1. Nerlens Noel Trade Imminent
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Its common knowledge around the league that the Philadelphia 76ers has a logjam in the front court, and that Nerlens Noel is likely the one to be traded away.
Back in September, Noel expressed his concern over the situation in his team. Through ESPN, he said, "I think it's just silly... this situation we are in now with three starting centers. With the departure of Sam Hinkie, I would have figured that management would be able to get something done this summer."
Noel is currently recovering from a knee surgery. He hasn't played this season yet. Last Thursday, when asked about the front court situation of the team, Noel said that he doesn't think the roster has changed.
According to Marc Stein of ESPN, it is likely that Noel prefers being traded to another team instead of having to compete with playing minutes with the other centers.
Rumors have also said that the Sixers organization is complying with Noel's wants, negotiating with teams who might be interested in taking him.
Noel averaged11.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.5 blocks per game last season.
2. Brandon Knight to be Traded
The Phoenix Suns could be a good trade partner with the Philadelphia Sixers, in a player swap that involves Nerlens Noel and Brandon Knight. The Sixers could get a combo point guard in exchange for Nerlens Noel while easing up on the front court logjam.
While Ben Simmons of the Sixers has shown he could play point, it's tough to imagine him doing it all the time, especially on the defensive end. The Sixers could definitely use the help of a facilitator slash scorer like Brandon Knight.
For now, it's not sure if the Suns would like to have Nerlens Noel on their roster. Brandon Knight has been coming off the bench for most of the season and his numbers have declined as a result.
According to Matt Moore of CBS Sports other teams that are interested in acquiring Knight are the Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, New Orleans Pelicans and Orlando Magic.
