Fansided

5 trade destinations for Nerlens Noel

By John Buhler

Apr 10, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) dunks during the third quarter of the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Wells Fargo Center. The Milwaukee Bucks won 109-108 in OT. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) dunks during the third quarter of the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at the Wells Fargo Center. The Milwaukee Bucks won 109-108 in OT. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 20, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) collides with Boston Celtics center Jared Sullinger (7) during the second quarter of the game at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 20, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) collides with Boston Celtics center Jared Sullinger (7) during the second quarter of the game at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Boston Celtics

Interestingly, a lot of the teams that could use Noel’s low-post presence and rim protection play in the same Atlantic Division as the 76ers. Would the 76ers consider sending Noel to the Boston Celtics for wings or picks?

These two Atlantic Division foes prefer to build through the draft with a bountiful crop of collected picks. Boston is the better team over Philadelphia at this point, but a trade between rivals could prove mutually beneficial.

If Boston wants to be a 50-win team capable of getting to the Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics need to add some physicality down low defensively. Al Horford is a strong offensive player, but has proven to be non-committal when it comes to grinding defensively.

It is no secret that every team Horford plays on is sub-par on the glass. Noel would be a defensive leader coming off the bench for the Celtics. The Celtics already have a high floor as a basketball franchise, but Noel’s inclusion defensively would only improve it.

Philadelphia could get a wing or a pick of their choice for Noel. Boston can integrate Noel into its defensive scheme mid-season so that he can be ready to rock this spring and in the NBA Playoffs. The divisional rivalry is the only thing that might make this deal difficult for the 76ers and Celtics involving Noel.

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