Fansided

5 trade rumors we would like to hear about the Boston Celtics

By Ian Levy

Jan 25, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) dribbles the ball against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at the United Center. Atlanta defeats Chicago 119-114. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2017; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) dribbles the ball against the Atlanta Hawks during the second half at the United Center. Atlanta defeats Chicago 119-114. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 24, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) in a game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 121-110. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) in a game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 121-110. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

3. We want Nerlens

We know, the Philadelphia 76ers are good now. Nerlens Noel is in the rotation and playing well. If the 76ers are going to unravel that logjam in the frountcourt it’s probably going to be Jahlil Okafor they try to ship out. The problem with that logic is that the tightness in their rotation goes deeper than Okafor and Noel. Richaun Holmes has looked promising but can’t get on the floor. Dario Saric is clearly a power forward, not a wing, and Ben Simmons is returning soon as well.

Noel may be the most effective NBA player of the bunch but he also seems to be kind of a sour puss and may have burned some bridges during his time in Philly. He also doesn’t have the versatile upside of Saric or Simmons.

Boston could really use Noel’s defensive chaos, and his mobility next to Horford allows for a variety of different frontcourt combinations. Noel is also young enough that he could be a part of internal growth for the Celtics moving forward. The Celtics will have to give up something useful to pry him out of Philadelphia, but maybe sending out Marcus Smart and Jonas Jerebko in exchange for Noel and Holmes would be palatable to the 76ers. Smart helps Philly’s backcourt without locking them into anything and Boston will likely have a shot at another elite guard prospect in this year’s draft.

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