NBA Trade Grades: Mavericks To Add Nerlens Noel From 76ers
Dallas Mavericks
This deal is a major score for the Dallas Mavericks. Not only did they manage to get rid of Bogut’s expiring deal, but they actually put it to good use on a defensive-minded center who could help the Mavs chase a playoff spot this season and be a fixture in the frontcourt for years to come.
Though Noel’s numbers are down, part of that can be attributed to an inconsistent role within a crowded frontcourt. Part of it could just be shaking off rust from injury, but either way, Noel has more to offer than the 3.0 points, 8.3 rebounds and 1.0 blocks Bogut was averaging in 22.4 minutes per game.
Noel’s status as a restricted free agent was probably a deterrent to other teams, but the Mavs have long needed a rim-protecting 5 to cover for Dirk Nowitzki on the defensive end, so it’s no surprise they’ll be willing to give him an extension this summer.
The Mavericks have long been intrigued with Noel, and will work to sign him to an extension. Noel's a restricted free agent.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 23, 2017
Despite his apparent attitude problems, Noel is still young and the Mavs didn’t have to give up much to get him. The team was high on Justin Anderson, but his jumper hadn’t improved since first joining the team as the 21st overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft.
By snagging the sixth overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft, the Mavs are starting to bolster a young core that includes Harrison Barnes, Seth Curry, Dwight Powell and Yogi Ferrell. There’s reason to be excited about this team’s future again, but Noel could also help in the present.
Rick Carlisle is the kind of coach that can get the best out of Noel, and whether the Mavericks miss the playoffs or not, their 2017 first round pick is highly unlikely to convey.
That means the Mavs can be as competitive as they want without fear of losing their pick by making the postseason. It also means they can accept the scenario where they miss the playoffs, because it will end in a lottery selection.
According to ESPN’s Marc Stein, the deal also created two trade exceptions for Dallas.
Provided the deal terms don't change, Dallas will create two trade exceptions in this Nerlens Noel deal, worth $6.6 million and 1.5 million
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) February 23, 2017
It may seem a bit early to ship off a promising defensive player like Justin Anderson, but the Mavericks scored one hell of a deal thanks to Philadelphia’s desperation to clear its center logjam.
Next: 2017 NBA Trade Deadline: Grades For All 30 Teams
Noel has much more upside, he helps Dallas both in the short-term and the long-term, and Mark Cuban didn’t even have to give up anything too big in the process.
Grade: A-