The Philadelphia 76ers could work out a deal with the Chicago Bulls, with a possibility of swapping Nerlens Noel for Nikola Mirotic.
Noel is still among the names who could be dealt before the deadline, with the 76ers yet to address its crowded frontcourt. Considering the demand in the league for a defensive big man, Philadelphia could have plenty of options to explore in trading Noel.
Teams like the Celtics and Raptors have already been linked to Noel, whose defensive ability could help both teams tremendously. But Joel Brigham of Basketball Insiders suggested Chicago could be a potential landing spot for the 22-year-old center.
"Chicago's bench has been brutal, and while Noel doesn't help with the offense, he does bolster the frontcourt in the second unit where currently there isn't a whole lot of talent that can contribute," Brigham wrote.
"Chicago wouldn't lose much in Mirotic, who has regressed considerably this year, and the contracts are pretty comparable."
The Bulls may have been winning early in the season, but their bench's inconsistency could cost them winnable outings. Chicago rank fifth-worst in the league in bench scoring, only posting 29.2 points per contest.
In Brigham's proposed trade scenario, the 76ers would swap Noel for Mirotic, whose role with the Bulls has dropped significantly this season. Noel won't contribute to the Bulls much on the offensive end, but his rebounding game and versatility on the defensive end should see him a vital piece in any of Chicago's hopes to contend this year.
On the other hand, Mirotic could serve as a stretch-four to the Sixers, who lack outside threats to help space the floor for the team's core of big men. Mirotic has not been utilized much in Fred Hoiberg's new schemers, but playing for a young team like the 76ers and another European prospect like Dario Saric could bring out the 25-year-old's game.
It is unclear whether the 76ers would consider such move, as well as the Bulls, who also have plenty of young big men on their roster. But Noel has never been so available, and it could only be a matter of time before Philly trades him.
Video courtesy: YouTube/FreeDawkins