Speculations of Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel getting traded this summer is not a new rumor. However, the suggestion that the reigning champions Cleveland Cavaliers and up-and-coming squad Brooklyn Nets are both targeting him is fresh news.
King James' Gospel reported that the Cavs are trying to find a true center before the new season begins this October as they only have undersized center Tristan Thompson and aging big man Chris Andersen as head coach Tyronn Lue's options at the number five spot at the moment.
Rumors had been out since the end of last season that the Sixers will try to trade either Noel or incoming sophomore center Jahlil Okafor this summer in order to avoid a potential frontcourt logjam in the horizon.
Philadelphia is set to finally welcome the debut of 2014 third overall pick Joel Embiid next season, which will certainly make coach Brett Brown's head ache in trying to balance playing time for his three developing players Noel, Okafor, and Embiid.
The addition of this year's no. 1 overall selection Ben Simmons and the arrival of 22-year-old Croatian Dario Saric makes Brown's frontline even more crowded and so a trade involving at least one of his young bigs is reportedly inevitable.
With that, a trade with the Cavaliers is suggested as the two squads could help each other fill-up their respective roster needs for the 2016-2017 season.
While most rumors are saying that Kevin Love could be included in the package to get Noel, the report said that it "likely won't include Kevin Love" as the Sixers could "ask for a young prospect like Jordan McRae" as they need a scoring wingman than add another big man.
Meanwhile, Nothin' But Nets suggested that Brooklyn should also trade for Noel or, if possible, pry him away from free-agency next summer. Noel is set to become a restricted free agent next summer after his four-year, $14.3 rookie deal with the Sixers expires at the end of the coming season.
The Nets are also currently stocked with big men in the likes of Brook Lopez, Trevor Booker, Luis Scola, and Chris McCullough, but adding Noel to the squad is an upgrade at both four and five positions.
