Is Nerlens Noel angling for a trade to the Boston Celtics?
The Philadelphia 76ers big man sent a rather random tweet Wednesday night, and the Internet is buzzing about whether he’s trying to escape Philly for greener pastures. Noel, who has been a subject of trade rumors this offseason, was born in Malden, Mass., and attended high school in Everett.
Of course, it’s possible Noel simply is proud of his hometown. After all, what’s not to like about Boston?
But it’s also possible there’s more to Noel’s public display of affection, especially given some information that since has been uncovered by CSNNE.com’s A. Sherrod Blakely.
Multiple NBA sources told Blakely that Noel is “very open” to being traded if the 76ers go in that direction, and another league source reportedly indicated Thursday morning that the Celtics still have a high level of interest in the 22-year-old even though no deal is imminent.
Noel has been tossed around in trade speculation this summer because the Sixers have a surplus of big men after drafting Ben Simmons with the No. 1 overall pick in the most recent NBA draft. As it stands, Simmons, Noel, Jahlil Okafor, Joel Embiid and Dario Saric all will vie for playing time in Philadelphia’s frontcourt.
The Celtics, meanwhile, could use a rim protector. And with plenty of assets still in tow after drafting Jaylen Brown third overall in June, Boston might want to consider a deal for one of Philly’s bigs.
Noel, the sixth overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, is coming off a season in which he averaged 11.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 29.3 minutes per game over 67 contests.
Thumbnail photo via Bill Streicher/USA TODAY Sports Images
