According to reports, the Philadelphia 76ers have traded forward/center Nerlens Noel to the Dallas Mavericks for swingman Justin Anderson, center Andrew Bogut, and a first-round pick. Marc Stein of ESPN later reported the pick to be protected if it is 18th or better in the upcoming 2017 NBA Draft. Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical was broke the news on Thursday morning:
Philadelphia is sending Nerlens Noel to Dallas for Justin Anderson and a first-round draft pick, league sources tell @TheVertical.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 23, 2017
Dallas center Andrew Bogut will go to the 76ers in the Noel trade too, league source tells @TheVertical.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 23, 2017
76ers Trade Nerlens Noel to Dallas Mavericks
The 76ers are expected to buy out Bogut after the trade, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN. That will allow Bogut to sign with a playoff team before the end of the season. Chris Haynes of ESPN reports that the Cleveland Cavaliers have been interested in the veteran center all season.
Noel, on the other hand, still has a ton of potential, as he is a young and developing player. The Mavericks will benefit greatly from the skills that he can bring to the table, especially on the defensive end.
The 22-year-old is in the final year of his rookie contract, as he will be a restricted free agent in the upcoming summer. Because of this, Noel was the clear choice to move in order to free up the crowded Sixers frontcourt.
In addition, Noel’s trade value was much higher for a move than that of Jahlil Okafor. The former Duke center is gifted offensively on the low block, but his defense and questionable commitment to the team would cause him to yield less valuable assets than a Noel deal.
Noel was selected by the New Orleans Pelicans with the sixth pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, only to be dealt immediately for one-time All-Star Jrue Holiday. This deal officially began former Sixers general manager Sam Hinkie‘s rebuilding process take shape.
“The Process” started with the acquisition of Noel; this deal shows that everything may finally be coming together for the 76ers.
