Blazers, Kings, Heat, Mavs Want Nerlens Noel Trade

Despite not having many trade talks yet, it feels like the Detroit Pistons will be opening up for business soon. Owners of the worst record in the NBA at 7-22 and with Cade Cunningham on the verge of a season-ending draw, the Pistons are cemented as sellers ahead of the trade deadline.

Much of the Pistons’ trade talks involved veteran Bojan Bogdanovic. Bogdanovic was acquired from Utah Jazz for the regular season in exchange for Kelly Olynyk and Saben Lee.

A two-year extension was signed soon after, making Bogdanovic an even more attractive trading chip. Coupled with his performance so far this season, it makes sense why so many teams are interested in acquiring him. Unfortunately, he’s not the only veteran Detroit wants to trade.

Another player to keep an eye on is center, Nerlens Noel. Noel, along with Alec Burks and draft capital, was acquired from the New York Knicks during the off-season in what was a salary dump for them. The Knicks used that vacant cap space to sign Jalen Brunson in free agency.

The Kentucky product hasn’t played much for Detroit this season, appearing in just six games. At this point, saying goodbye is something that both Noel and the team agree is best for both parties. Despite the limited opportunities, Noel has already sparked some interest in the competition. According to James L. Edwards III of The Athleticthe Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Miami Heat and Dallas Mavericks have all expressed interest.

League sources, who were given anonymity to speak freely, have told The Athletic that the Pistons are looking to transfer the veteran big man. Both parties agree that a deal is best for both sides, and Detroit has already held talks with rival teams about Noel. Portland, Sacramento, Miami and Dallas have been the most involved teams when it comes to acquiring the 28-year-old.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nerlens Noel, Detroit Pistons, Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat, Portland Trail Blazers & Sacramento Kings Updates

Noel is in the second season of a three-year, $27.72 million deal he signed with the Knicks in free agency in 2021. sure hope he brought to their rosters as well.

The third season in Noel’s deal is a team option, so he could be viewed as an expiring contract, further increasing his value in a trade. Sacramento, Dallas, and Portland are all in the bottom half of the league in terms of defensive rating, while Miami is 7th. Noel would certainly help the first three teams improve in that area and the Heat would maintain their success to date.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nerlens Noel, Detroit Pistons, Dallas Mavericks, Miami Heat, Portland Trail Blazers & Sacramento Kings Updates

With three young big men on the roster in Isaiah Stewart, Marvin Bagley III and Jalen Duren, there is no room for Noel. That should make him relatively easy to get, as the price won’t be exorbitant, as the Pistons will take whatever they can get their hands on for their emergency center.