NBA Trade Rumors: Philadelphia 76ers Trading Nerlens Noel To Portland Trailblazers For Allen Crabbe
NBA trade rumors are quietly heating up when it comes to the Philadelphia 76ers and what they may do with power forward Nerlens Noel. The 76ers have been pondering trading Nerlens Noel since the summer. Something is all but guaranteed to take place with the Sixers and another team. After so many NBA trade rumors have come out about the 76ers dealing Nerlens Noel, the writing is on the wall.
There have been NBA trade rumors where the Philadelphia 76ers have engaged in talks with the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Phoenix Suns. The latest of NBA trade rumors have the Sixers looking at the Portland Trailblazers for a potential landing spot for Noel.
According to the Sixer Sense, the Trailblazers could have a match for the 76ers’ Noel. Swingman Allen Crabbe is making good on his new contract with the Trailblazers, but he would truly be able to thrive with the Sixers.
Allen Crabbe getting warmed up and so is the @trailblazers stunt team! #NBAVine https://t.co/zQAgkgz7yP
— NBA (@NBA) October 28, 2016
No one knew if Crabbe could live up to the expectations of the four-year, $75 million deal he received with the Portland Trailblazers. When the Trailblazers matched the offer (courtesy of The Oregonian) Crabbe was given by the Brooklyn Nets, several people scratched their heads. With the Trailblazers, Crabbe is at best a sixth man.
That is especially true with the sudden rise of C.J. McCollum. Allen Crabbe appears to be in position for a larger role with the Trailblazers, but McCollum and the acquisition of Evan Turner makes heavy minutes difficult.
Portland’s of perimeter players rivals the frontcourt logjam of Philadelphia 76ers.
Philadelphia 76ers: Nerlens Noel is Becoming Ideal Trade Piece via @KlineNBA https://t.co/6aCzkT17Xw
— The Sixer Sense (@SixerSense) October 31, 2016
Eventually, the 76ers will move a player. That was the thought at least. The 76ers did make a minor move when they completed a trade (courtesy of Yahoo Canada) with the Oklahoma City Thunder for Ersan Ilyasova on Tuesday. Small forward Jeremi Grant was sent in return for Ilyasova.
With the trade for Ilyasova, the 76ers have made a crowded frontcourt potentially worse.
Ersan Ilyasova fills a need in terms of an outside shooter from the post position. And he will provide immediate help for the 76ers. With the minute restrictions that centers Joel Embiid and Jahlil Okafor are on, the Sixers have a quality big that can play both power forward and center.
So far, there are no instances where the 76ers have had to juggle minutes with their forwards. Much of that is because Nerlens Noel has yet to play as he recovers from a minor knee surgery (courtesy of ESPN) he had in late October.
Also, the Sixers are without the top overall NBA draft pick Ben Simmons until January at the earliest. Simmons’ injury has bought the Philadelphia 76ers some time as they make a decision on what to do with Nerlens Noel.
Thunder have reportedly traded Ersan Ilyasova and a protected first-round pick for Jerami Grant https://t.co/TUKCqjscP1 pic.twitter.com/6idOCaPUje
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) November 1, 2016
When Embiid and Okafor have their minutes restrictions lifted, the 76ers will have a quandary. Things do not get easier when Ben Simmons makes his NBA debut. In order to compensate everyone, the 76ers have to move another player. Trading Nerlens Noel would get the 76ers the best return.
As the NBA trade rumors keep building up regarding what the 76ers will do with Noel, the Portland Trailblazers do emerge as a viable option.
Like the 76ers, there are a couple of promising frontcourt players on the Trailblazers. Although, the Trailblazers do not have the glut of forwards and centers as the 76ers do. Plus, the Trailblazers do not have a player with the skill set of Nerlens Noel. Would a potential offer of Allen Crabbe be enough for the 76ers and Trailblazers to make a deal?
The biggest weakness on the Philadelphia 76ers’ roster is the lack of backcourt scoring. Crabbe averages over 10 points, in over 27 minutes a game. That, along with Crabbe’s athleticism, could help the 76ers, who were interested in signing him during the offseason. What stopped the Philadelphia 76ers from giving Crabbe a contract offer was his status as a restricted free agent.
If there is any truth to the NBA trade rumors about the Philadelphia 76ers looking at the Portland Trailblazers as a possible trade partner, something could be done in the coming weeks. Chances are great that the 76ers will look elsewhere for a Nerlens Noel trade in an effort to get the biggest return possible. Expect more NBA trade rumors involving the Philadelphia 76ers and Nerlens Noel.
[Featured Image by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images]
