Milwaukee Bucks: Eastern Conference Players They Should Trade For

Nerlens Noel, Philadelphia 76ers

One of the most discussed trade options in the league, both Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor have been bandied about in trade rumors since Embiid played his first NBA minute.

As Embiid has rehabbed a partially torn meniscus, the 76ers have kept both Noel and Okafor around to fill in the rotation.

But long-term the team needs to move both, and the Bucks should have interest in only one of those options.

Jahlil Okafor is Greg Monroe-lite, a gifted post scorer who struggles on defense. Milwaukee has been quietly shopping Monroe since last offseason, and won’t go down that road again.

Milwaukee Bucks

Nerlens Noel, however, is an intriguing prospect who would fit right into what Milwaukee is building. He is athletic and long, able to defend in space and protect the rim.

With enough offensive weapons around him, the Bucks won’t need him to score — and his defense would be a boon to their system.

If the Bucks think Thon Maker is guaranteed to be their future starter, they most likely don’t trade for a player such as Noel. Maker’s offensive ceiling is much higher than Noel’s, and defensively he has the tools to be most of what Noel is.

The Australian rookie is no lock, however, and is Noel is available at the right price he is a surefire defensive anchor for this roster.

Philadelphia isn’t going to give Noel away, but he could be available for a player and a first-round pick. The Bucks value their draft picks, but if they are prepared to re-sign Noel it wouldn’t be a back-breaker.

If they know for sure Greg Monroe is declining his player option then they will have both a hole at center and the money to pay Noel.