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NBA Trade Rumors: Are 76ers’ Nerlens Noel, Jahlil Okafor on the block? – Metro US
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NBA Trade Rumors: Are 76ers’ Nerlens Noel, Jahlil Okafor on the block?

NBA Trade Rumors: Are 76ers’ Nerlens Noel, Jahlil Okafor on the block?
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The Sixers’ most valuable trade chips are a pair of 6-foot-11 centers, one of whom isn’t yet old enough to order a beer (but is old enough to wrack up speeding tickets).

Jahlil Okafor leads the Sixers, as well as all NBA rookies in scoring while Nerlens Noel leads the team in rebounds and steals per game (and trails for the lead in blocked shots by .02 per game).

Would Philly part with one, or both of these parts as the NBA draft lottery approaches with the 76ers currently in position to get the most ping pong balls?

According to reports from several outlets, most notablyKeith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer, the Sixers have been in talks with the Atlanta Hawks who intend to overhaul their roster at the deadline. Specifically, two point guards — Jeff Teague and Dennis Schroder — are at the top of Philly’s wish list.

Getting a top notch veteran guard and leader could be exactly what the Sixers need moving forward.

Eventually, whether it is at the trade deadline or not, the Sixers need to make some kind of move. They have Okafor and Noel on the roster right now, with another big man Joel Embiid still on the mend, Dario Saric overseas and as many as three first-round picks coming in the June draft.

But it might happen later rather than sooner.

According to Pompey and the Inquirer:the source said the Sixers have not made a trade offer for either of the two. Mutliple league sources said they don’t expect the Sixers to make a serious push for one of the point guards before the Feb. 18 trade deadline.

Philly clearly has a problem with too many centers on the roster. They are also lacking a true power forward, as well as solid wing-man play.

Noel has been mused about in other trade rumors. Several Lakersoutlets in L.A. are spouting the possibility that the Sixersswap Noel for Julius Randle and Jordan Clarkson. He has also been mentioned as a possibly swapee for Milwaukee’s Jabari Parker (citing that the Bucks are also having issues with players playing out of position and without chemistry).

One thing is certain, this year’s trade deadline will test the creativity and resolve of Sam Hinkie, Jerry Coangelo and company.