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4 Possible free agent targets for the Philadelphia 76ers

By Pete Sawan

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 18: General Manager Elton Brand of the Philadelphia 76ers talks on the phone prior to the game against the Chicago Bulls at Wells Fargo Center on October 18, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 18: General Manager Elton Brand of the Philadelphia 76ers talks on the phone prior to the game against the Chicago Bulls at Wells Fargo Center on October 18, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia 76ers Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images
Philadelphia 76ers Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images /

Nerlens Noel

Third on deck, the Philadelphia 76ers could go in an entirely different direction and bring back big-man Nerlens Noel. Now, Noel was always a fan favorite during his short stint in Philadelphia. As the inaugural piece in the start of the “Process” era, he was a symbol of hope.

Nerlens Noel was brought in during the 2013 NBA Draft in a trade with the Pelicans for Jrue Holiday. Noel was seen as one of the best prospects in the United States. A prolific shot-blocker and board-chaser, it seemed like the sky was the limit for him. However, things turned sour as Noel suffered a knee injury which kept him out of his rookie season.

Related Story. 4 big ticket trades the Philadelphia 76ers should consider. light

But, that didn’t stop Noel from exploding on the scene. Once he returned, Noel averaged 10.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game. It seemed like all was right with the world, but then the Sixers dealt Noel to the Dallas Mavericks, where he was able to earn a contract offer of four years, $70 million. He ultimately turned it down, betting on himself. Unfortunately, Noel has not been able to draw enough attention to get himself a max deal.

Noel has since found a role for himself with the Oklahoma City Thunder coming off the bench. For what it’s worth he has flourished at that spot, providing a solid 4.9 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game this season. Now, the argument could be made that the Thunder would want to retain Noel, but Oklahoma City has two massively different exceptions at their disposal.

First, the non-taxpayer mid-level exception of around $9.7 million. Second, the bi-annual exception of around $3.8 million. The question here becomes whether or not OKC would be willing to offer Noel the non-taxpayer mid-level exception. If not, the Sixers could swoop in and offer up the taxpayer mid-level exception as a counter-offer.

Anyway, Nerlens Noel would provide a ton of help for the Philadelphia 76ers. As it currently stands, the only backup center under contract for the Sixers next season is Norvel Pelle. While Pelle is most certainly a competent player, the Sixers need more depth at that position. Noel would provide the sort of shot-blocking and rebounding that the Sixers need at that spot.