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NBA Trade Rumors: Best Landing Spots For Nerlens Noel

By Maxwell Ogden

Apr 5, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) warms up before action against the New Orleans Pelicans at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 5, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) warms up before action against the New Orleans Pelicans at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 13, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) looks to set the play against the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 13, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) looks to set the play against the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Dallas Mavericks

You can copy and paste this phrase to and from every season since Mark Cuban let Tyson Chandler walk in 2011: the Dallas Mavericks need a rim protector. Dirk Nowitzki is still a lethal all-around scoring threat, but Dallas lacks a consistent last line of defense.

Thus, Dallas should target Nerlens Noel in a move that would focus both on present-day needs and the long-term future of the organization.

The Mavericks have some attractive trade assets, including Justin Anderson, J.J. Barea, and restricted free agent Dwight Powell. The success of this trade, however, may hinge upon the inclusion of standout shooting guard Wesley Matthews.

That isn’t the most ideal reality to embrace, but if Dallas wants to find its center of the future, Matthews may be lost in the process.

Philadelphia has the cap space to take on Matthews’ contract, and has a clear need for 3-and-D assets. Dallas needs more cap space in order to make a splash in free agency, as well as a big man who can be groomed as the future down low.

Noel has clearly established himself as an NBA-caliber player, and head coach Rick Carlisle can help pull every ounce of potential out of him.

Next: Seven Seconds or Less

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