NBA Free Agency 2018: 5 potential destinations for Nerlens Noel

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DALLAS, TX – MARCH 11: Trevor Ariza #1 of the Houston Rockets passes the ball against Nerlens Noel #3 and Harrison Barnes #40 of the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on March 11, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

3. Houston Rockets

Houston, in all its spread-out, 3-point bombing glory, doesn’t immediately jump out as a potential suitor for Noel. However, depending on how the summer shakes out, could present itself as the perfect landing spot. Clint Capela goes into the offseason as a restricted free agent and will draw fat offers from multiple teams.

The Rockets may ultimately decide it’s in their best interest not to match, instead deploying their cap space to re-sign Chris Paul and lure another star. They could talk themselves into Capela’s rise to prominence as a product of their system and try to find cheap alternatives.

With Houston in a salary crunch and constantly on the prowl for the next big fish, Capela may prove too expensive and expendable. Instead of matching whatever exorbitant offer sheets come in, the Rockets could instead decide to fill out the back of their roster with lottery tickets. Enter Noel. He could thrive in the Houston system for all the same reasons Capela did.

Noel’s never reached the consistent highs Capela has but offers a lofty draft pedigree and potential for greatness with the right cultivation. Going to the Rockets could be a result of financial happenstance, but Noel would make for a solid backup plan with high upside.

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