The Philadelphia 7ers could consider dealing Nerlens Noel to the Dallas Mavericks in a three-way deal with the Boston Celtics.
It could only be a matter of time before the 76ers move Nerlens Noel, who, according to ESPN's Marc Stein, prefers to play for another team once he returns from injury. While Philadelphia has yet to determine a landing spot for the 22-year-old center, there are plenty of options the team could consider before the trade deadline.
Christopher Kline of Fansided's The Sixer Sense, a fan site hosted by Sports Illustrated, listed potential trade scenarios for the 76ers and Noel. Among the suggested deals, the most intriguing deal is a three-way trade with the Celtics and Mavs.
In the scenario, the 76ers would send Noel to Dallas and Robert Covington to Boston. In return, Philly gets Marcus Smart (Celtics), Justin Anderson (Mavs) and a future first-rounder from Boston. The Mavs then acquire Noel, Amir Johnson and Terry Rozier (Celtics), while Celtics receive a bunch of Dallas players in Andrew Bogut, J.J. Barea and Jonathan Gibson, as well as Covington form the 7e6rs.
Smart could fill in as a reliable playmaker for the 76ers and could take some pressure off Ben Simmons once the latter returns from injury. Anderson, on the other hand, gives Philadelphia another young piece with a potential to become an effective two-way wing.
Meanwhile, the Mavs, who currently has the worst record this season, could kick start a rebuild with Noel and Rozier, while maintaining cap flexibility for next summer by absorbing Johnson's expiring contract.
The Mavs were high on landing an athletic defensive big man when they pursued DeAndre Jordan two summers ago. While Noel isn't at the Jordan's level yet, the Kentucky product has the tools to become a key cog on the defensive end.
Likewise, Boston is also in the hunt for a defensive big man and is reportedly interested in acquiring Bogut from the Mavs. This deal would give the Celtics a chance to get the one-time NBA champ, while acquiring solid backup guards in Barea and Gibson.
Considering the pieces involved, such deal would benefit the 76ers, as well as Noel who could certainly use a fresh start. It all makes sense for the Celtics and Mavs to acquire Bogut and Noel, respectively, but whether they are willing to pursue at such price remains to be seen.
Video courtesy: YouTube/Philadelphia 76ers