FEBRUARY 28: Noel has been placed on waivers, the team’s PR department tweets.
FEBRUARY 27: Nerlens Noel and the Pistons have completed a contract buyout, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski tweets. Noel will now be placed on waivers before Wednesday’s deadline to preserve his playoff eligibility.
Acquired from the Knicks in a draft-day deal, Noel played sparingly this season as Detroit evaluated younger players. He only appeared in 14 games, averaging 2.3 PPG and 2.6 RPG in 10.9 MPG.
Noel, who has played for Philadelphia, Dallas and Oklahoma City, had a $9.24MM salary this season with a club option for $9.68MM next season. That team option will come off the Pistons’ books and this season’s cap hit also figures to be reduced slightly.
Noel reportedly wasn’t actively seeking out a buyout earlier this month but obviously changed his mind. He’s expected to have multiple contenders pursuing his services once he clears waivers.
As ESPN’s Bobby Marks notes (Twitter link), Noel is the 10th player to be bought out since the trade deadline.
Detroit now has an open roster spot, though the club doesn’t necessarily have to fill it right away.
Mavs!
Absolute perfect fit
This team can not contend currently upfront
This b/o candidate is actually one I could see playing an impact later
Agree ….
Sixers were also rumored to be after him. He definitely can help a playoff team.
I’m not sure if there is even a question about Noel ending up on the Mavs. Sixers might have a better personal relationship with Noel, but he will get more minutes in Dallas for his next contract.
Please Mavs!
It will be funny if Noel goes to the Mavs. The Mavs dissed on a contract. I hope he chooses the Kings. They deserve all the good they can get this year.
I said Mavs two weeks ago
Miami!!!
You guys got Zeller…don’t be so greedy.
Noel to Miami!!! Heard it here first!!!
This would’ve been the expectation before we brought in Zeller.
Paid him all that money for about 150 minutes of play…
DET got Noel, Burks, $6M and two 2nd rounders for the draft rights to Nikola Radicevic (who was drafted in 2015 and will probably never see an NBA court) and a conditional 2nd rounder. It all worked out for DET!!!
And if you combine it with the Walker deal, DET also added Walker and a 1st (Duren) for a 2025 1st (MIL).
Between the two deals, DET did add about $28M in salary – but I they’d do it again.
Yes …… and remember we cleared cap. To sign Jalen. We did fine too. And still have a pick.
By the way. I’m a big Duren guy.
Yep! I think those deals worked out pretty well for both teams.
NBA players get a ton of cash to not play
If you don’t count the thousands of hours it took to get there…
Don’t give them that much credit. Only passion to get paid. Lebron set the standard
You don’t just pay for your car… you also have to pay to insure it!!!
You don’t think Noel would rather be playing?!
Plus, when you make it to the NBA, I’ll gladly be happy for you while not playing much.
Kings
I want to ask one question after I read Bobby Marks twitter link
Assumption:
If LeBron and Davis miss 4 games each by the end of the season, can Lakers make the play-in this year?
I say YES
He only has 2 days to sign with a team/get claimed off waivers.
The March 1st deadline is the deadline to be released and still be eligible for the playoffs. Players can sign well after that deadline and still be eligible for the playoffs
Bulls need big.
Cmon Kings!!!
Time Lord insurance
He could be the starting center in Portland right now with Nurk out
Nets desperately need some size. Not sure if he’s the answer but they are running out of options
Lakers, Dallas and Celtics should call. Especially the Celtics with 6’8 rob Williams getting rag dolled out there at center ever game.
Come back to the Knicks!