Early Predictions For Where Top 2017 NBA Free Agents Will Sign

15. Nerlens Noel, C, Dallas Mavericks (Restricted)

Where he will sign: Dallas Mavericks

Especially with the weak center class, I don’t expect there to be a ton of movement at the position. The top options are likely to stay put, and that’s exactly the case with Nerlens Noel. At this point, the odds are in favor of the young big man remaining in Dallas.

The Mavericks gave up a first-round pick and two quality players to acquire Noel. While I wouldn’t call it a king’s ransom or anything of that nature, there’s a very good chance Dallas isn’t going to be willing to let him go after making that deal.

They see him as a building block, and will do what’s necessary to keep him in town.

Now don’t think Noel won’t receive interest if he’s available when free agency opens. Although there aren’t a ton of teams in need of a starting-caliber center, the ones that do should show heavy interest in the former top pick.

Noel is a tremendous (albeit injury-prone) talent with the potential to emerge as one of the best paint protectors in the NBA.

Dallas has some of the pieces in place to be taken seriously in the near future. While Noel is no superstar, he can bring a young, athletic presence to the frontcourt that can tie this whole lineup together.

He’s a tremendous asset for the future, which is why the Mavericks aren’t going to let him walk.