The Pistons are looking to move big man Nerlens Noel, sources tell James L. Edwards III of The Athletic. Noel has been the subject of a handful of rumors already this fall, with one report indicating he’s unlikely to finish the season in Detroit and another suggesting the Mavericks have talked to the Pistons about a possible deal.
Edwards confirms that the Mavericks have been one of the teams engaged in discussions on Noel, but names a handful of other potential suitors as well, reporting that the Trail Blazers, Kings, and Heat have also talked to the Pistons about the veteran center.
Noel has appeared in just 31 games since the start of the 2021/22 season due to a combination of injuries and a crowded Pistons frontcourt, so he’s unlikely to have much trade value. Still, his contract isn’t onerous — he’s earning $9.24MM this season and has a team option for 2023/24 that could be declined without his team owing him any additional money.
According to Edwards, Noel’s camp and the Pistons have agreed that a deal is in both sides’ best interests.
Here’s more on the Pistons from Edwards:
- The Pistons have received inquires on Saddiq Bey and had discussions about the third-year forward, league sources tell The Athletic. Based on his conversations with people around the NBA, Edwards believes Bey is “gettable” at the right price, but he’s unsure of what the “right price” would be. Presumably, Detroit would still value the 23-year-old highly as a trade asset despite his struggles and his demotion from the starting lineup this season.
- Following up on Monday’s Bojan Bogdanovic rumors, Edwards reiterates that the idea of keeping the forward beyond this season is appealing to the Pistons, who extended Bogdanovic in the hopes of retaining him, not increasing his trade value. Detroit hopes to turn a corner by next season, so the team isn’t enthusiastic about simply selling off a productive veteran like Bogdanovic.
- Similarly, the Pistons like having veteran guard Alec Burks around, according to Edwards, who says “current signs point toward” the 31-year-old staying in Detroit beyond the trade deadline. Burks has a $10.5MM team option for next season, which is a reasonable price to pay based on his current production, and would give the club some flexibility if cap room needs to be created in the summer.
John Collins & Jalen Johnson for Marvin Bagley, Alec Burks & Saddiq Bey might be a perfect trade for both teams but tbh I’m not ready to give up on Jalen yet
Blazers interested in Noel? Who are they going to trade? Justice Winslow & others, Nassir Little? From a roster & cap perspective that looks intrepidous. Even the Heat & Kings would be getting into the guys they wanna keep to make the salaries work. Someone with a trade exception, included in a deal, or the waiver wire for Noel.
The Blazers don’t make any sense for Noel and vice versa. The Heat and Kings have matches with guys not even in the rotation like Duncan Robinson or Holmes.
Why would the Pistons want to take on Robinson’s long-term deal for Noel’s expiring?
I think the Pistons are open for business but I think teams will be disappointed to learn that they’re likely only going to be willing to move guys like Noel, Joseph, Diallo, McGruder. Maybe Bagley, Burks, Boban and Bey will be available but I think they’ll ask too much for them. Maybe not Bagley but the other 3 will be regarded as guys who could really round out a lineup (boban) or move a needle with a huge boost to a bench (Bey/Burks) production
I’d love Noel on the Kings if we can get him for cheap… we need a rim-protecting big man badly… Domas is the heartbeat but gets out-bodied by bigger centers
You actually believe Noel won’t get bodied but those bigger centers aswell? Dude is 6’11 200 lbs. Sabonis is actually one of those bigger centers you mentioned especially in this era.
trade these dudes for them lakers 1sts and brodie.