Basketball Insiders writer Joe Brigham believes the Chicago Bulls should explore a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers for defensive-oriented center Nerlens Noel using incoming free-agent Nikola Mirotic as a trade chip.
Brigham in a panel discussion with fellow Basketball Insiders writers thinks the Bulls should make a deal for Noel in order to bring in some stability in their second unit defense. Although Mirotic is still capable scorer and floor stretch at the four spot, the emergence of another sweet shooting big man in Doug McDemott makes him a dispensable piece.
"The Philadelphia 76ers trade Nerlens Noel to the Chicago Bulls for Nikola Mirotic. 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."
"Chicago wouldn't lose much in Mirotic, who has regressed considerably this year, and the contracts are pretty comparable. Philadelphia clears up their logjam at center and brings in a 25-year-old stretch four that still could very well figure it out, while Chicago gets depth for its bench and a pretty talented defensive player itching for a fresh start."
The 21-year old Noel averages 10.5 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in two seasons. He has expressed frustration towards the Sixers management for the lack of effort in addressing the logjam of talent in their frontline.
With Jahlil Okafor and Joel Embiid sharing minutes at center position, it would be difficult for Noel to get significant playing time when he returns from his knee injury (tentatively this Sunday against the Detroit Pistons).
Mirotic, on the other hand, continues to struggle with his stroke, shooting 37 percent from the field and 29 percent from beyond the arc. Like Noel, he will become an unrestricted free-agent next summer, and based on projections, he could command as much as $15M per season in his next contract.
