NBA Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz on Nerlens Noel, DeMarcus Cousins and More
There was always going to be at least some trade buzz surrounding the Philadelphia 76ers this season. They came into 2016-17 with four young centers, three of whom were lottery picks. There had to be an odd man out.
Two months into the season, it looks Nerlens Noel is that man.
And he isn't the only one who might be on the move ahead of the February 23 trade deadline. The oft-gossiped-about DeMarcus Cousins is in the rumor mill again. And we have a surprise appearance from the Grindfather, Tony Allen, as well.
Who Will Take on Nerlens Noel?
After logging a total of 18 minutes in his first two appearances for the 76ers this season, it looks like Nerlens Noel may have to wait a while before he sees the floor again. And this time, it's not because of an injury.
According to Philly.com's Keith Pompey, Noel is "out of [the] rotation for the foreseeable future." The writing isn't just on the wall, it's painted on there in big, bold letters. Noel is on his way out.
Now is when we'll start to see him attached to specific teams, as was the case on Monday, when Basketball Insiders' Steve Kyler wrote this:
"The Philadelphia 76ers have conceded that center Nerlens Noel will not be part of the rotation going forward, at least for the time being. Noel has changed agents recently, and his representation and the 76ers are working together toward a trade and a solution.
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There are a couple of teams to watch on the Noel front, the biggest being the Toronto Raptors. It is unlikely that the Raptors mess with their team chemistry in moving a core player, but if the 76ers want some of the Raptors’ young players or non-core parts, Toronto would have interest in Noel, according to sources close to the situation. It’s also believed the Portland Trail Blazers have eyes on Noel, but they may be unwilling to give up much in a deal.
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While the Toronto Raptors' interest does make sense, it's hard to see how his presence would help them more than Lucas Nogueira, who's already there:
| Nerlens Noel | 2015-16 | 21 | 16.2 | 0.544 | 15.0 | 10.5 | 2.9 | 3.9 | -2.7 | 3.4 |
| Lucas Nogueira | 2016-17 | 24 | 18.8 | 0.746 | 14.3 | 5.5 | 2.6 | 8.0 | 2.1 | 5.8 |
Granted, Noel is younger and comes with the pedigree of a lottery pick, but Nogueira has been among the best reserves in the league this season.
As for the Portland Trail Blazers' interest in Noel, it's not hard to see the fit there. Portland already has Mason Plumlee, Ed Davis, Meyers Leonard and Festus Ezeli, but it has performed well below the level of expectations and could be looking for a younger big man to add to a core with Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum.
Do the Boston Celtics Have Interest in DeMarcus Cousins?
With all the talent he possesses and the drama surrounding him, it wouldn't be surprising to see DeMarcus Cousins attached to all 30 NBA teams in trade rumors over the course of his career.
And with all those rumors, plenty are bound to be dispelled. That brings us to the Boston Celtics, who may not be as close to landing Cousins as some previously thought, according to CSN New England's A. Sherrod Blakely:
"And as far as Cousins is concerned, the Celtics’ connection with him has been more fantasy than for real, according to a team source who indicated they have not had any talks at any time with the Kings about acquiring Cousins.
That coincides with reports that the Kings have not made it known to other teams that they are interested in trading Cousins, even as all involved understand that moving him is becoming more and more inevitable.
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While Boston may not be Cousins' final destination this season, a move is looking more likely all the time.
Sacramento is on track for its seventh straight season without sniffing the postseason. Cousins has immense talent, but it's not working toward any success with the Kings.
Is Tony Allen Available?
It's tough to imagine the Memphis Grizzlies without Tony Allen. He is the Grindfather, the personification of Grit 'n Grind.
And yet, during something of an individual resurgence for Allen and a better-than-expected 2016-17 season for Memphis, the two may be splitting up.
Or at least the Grizzlies are listening to potential suitors, per Ronald Tillery of the Commercial Appeal:
If Memphis does indeed decide to move Allen, he could be a solid addition for a contender in need of perimeter defense.
