Report: Sixers have called Pistons about acquiring big man Nerlens Noel
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It’s obvious what the theme is for the Philadelphia 76ers as they approach the Feb. 9 trade deadline. They need a reliable backup center behind Joel Embiid and they need to do so quickly in order to fortify the bench unit.
There have been a few names that have popped up recently and now, a former Sixer has drawn interest from president Daryl Morey and the rest of the front office: Nerlens Noel of the Detroit Pistons.
The Pistons are a rebuilding team who are focused on developing Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren at this point and Noel is a veteran who doesn’t get much playing time. He’s averaging 2.5 points and 2.8 rebounds while playing in only 13 games for Detroit.
Per James Edwards of The Athletic:
Per league sources, the Heat, Nuggets, Mavericks, Kings, 76ers and Celtics have recently called the Pistons and inquired about Noel.
Noel, who spent his first 2.5 seasons with the Sixers, would bring exactly what Philadelphia needs in a backup big man. He’s an elite rim protector with a career average of 1.5 blocks per game, he is a big lob threat which is what James Harden needs in the pick-and-roll, and he has a great relationship with Embiid.
With the deadline being at 3 p.m. EST on Thursday, this is the time when deals begin to heat up for teams around the league.
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