Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel has been involved in many trade rumors. Ever since Nerlens Noel said that he's unhappy in Philadelphia and that the Philadelphia 76ers "silly" situation at center "doesn't make any sense" before the 2016-2017 season began, many observers believe that the Philadelphia 76ers would eventually deal Nerlens Noel before the trade deadline.
A lot of NBA teams are interested in getting the services of Nerlens Noel. We all saw what Nerlens Noel is capable of doing during his short college career at the University of Kentucky before he went down with a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) on his left knee.
Nerlens Noel has the potential to be an excellent ball player as long as he stays healthy and keeps himself motivated. At 6'11", Nerlens Noel is mobile enough to be able to keep up with the opposing team's quick guards on defense. He can rebound, protect the rim, and has the ability and quickness to outrun opponents and be able to score easy baskets on offense. And he's just only 22 years old.
Of all the teams that Nerlens Noel has been rumored to be dealt with, the one team that's probably the best destination for Nerlens Noel is the Portland Trailblazers. With the addition of Nerlens Noel, the Portland Trailblazers has the potential to be a great team.
In 27 games so far this season, the Portland Trailblazers have a 13-14 record and are currently in 8th place in the Western Conference. The Portland Trailblazers are led by the young and exciting backcourt duo of Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum. But as great as their backcourt offense is, their defense is the exact opposite. The Portland Trailblazers have the 5th worst defensive rating in the NBA at 109.1. That's where Nerlens Noel can come in and be the defensive presence the Portland Trailblazers badly needs.
By getting Nerlens Noel, the Portland Trailblazers should be able to plug their defensive hole in the middle. Together with Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum, the three of them could form a deadly trio that could wreak havoc on other teams.
The Portland Trailblazers also have the one advantage that other teams interested in Nerlens Noel don't have - trade assets. Nerlens Noel would be a restricted free agent after this season and the Portland Trailblazers have the means to sign him next summer.
