Nerlens Noel of the Philadelphia 76ers is one of the hottest names in the NBA trade rumor mill right now and multiple teams are reportedly interested in the 22-year-old center-forward. One team being mentioned right now are the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Seeing that the Cavs are coming of an NBA title-run, the only reason that the Cavs may tweak their roster is in preparation for other teams. Everyone knows how the Golden State Warriors got stronger with Kevin Durant, so head coach Tyron Lue may be re-studying his lineup.
On paper, the Cavs already have a stellar lineup. But it remains that everything has not exactly panned out smoothly. Lebron James is his usual self, so with Kyrie Irving. Kevin Love, the third part of the Cavs’ ‘Big Three’ has been erratic and has been the subject of trade rumors.
Would trading Love for Noel make sense?
Noel is a promising star but obviously has a lot of work ahead. He could be a good addition but the question now is should the Cavs bite? Compared to Love, the whole thing may seem a lopsided one though Noel can easily fit in as a support player over a star player like Love.
Are there really talks ongoing?
The Sixers Sense claims that something is brewing and the main reason may be because Noel is a good rim protector. But would that be enough reason to trade away a certified all-star in Love? Right now, the Cavs need help in the middle. They lost Timofey Mozgov (Los Angeles Lakers) and then traded away Sasha Kaun (ironically to the Philadelphia 76ers).
At present, they do have Tristan Thompson and the aging Chris Andersen with Kevin Love alternating at center. Aside from Andersen, Thompson and Love are not exactly the intimidating presence that can swat away shots – the reason why Nerlens has been linked to the defending champions.
It could be no more than option for the Cavs. Noel is eyed by other teams with the Boston Celtics allegedly in hot pursuit. He could be a good addition to the Cavaliers but maybe for another player and not Love.