Free agent center Nerlens Noel has received “exploratory” interest from the Knicks, Rockets, and Hornets, league sources tell Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
The sixth overall pick in the 2013 draft, Noel is known for his athleticism and versatility, especially on the defensive end of the floor. However, the 29-year-old hasn’t been on an NBA roster since being waived in September by the Kings. Last season, he appeared in 17 total games for the Pistons and Nets, but played limited minutes, averaging 2.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 0.9 steals in 11.5 minutes per night.
The Knicks have two open spots on their 15-man roster and have dealt with multiple injuries in their frontcourt as of late. According to Scotto, head coach Tom Thibodeau is a fan of Noel, who was with the team for two seasons from 2020-22. New York checked in on him prior to signing Taj Gibson to a second 10-day contract, Scotto adds.
Prior to the trade deadline, the Rockets were in the market for a center to back up and complement Alperen Sengun. They acquired Steven Adams from Memphis, but he’s out for the rest of the season, so he’s more of a long-term option up front. Houston currently has a full 15-man roster but may still be in the market for a big man who can help in the short term.
As for the Hornets, they’ve been missing starting center Mark Williams for much of the season and don’t have much depth at the position beyond Nick Richards, who has taken over the starting job. With no timeline for Williams’ return, they may want to add some reinforcements at the five. However, it’s worth noting that while the Knicks are a playoff team and the Rockets still have play-in aspirations, the Hornets are out of the postseason hunt, so they might prefer to rely on young players for those minutes.
Christmas signing for the Knicks?
Nerl got one of the best close outs in the game
Wish him health
Sixers need to swoop in and bring him back
I’m skeptical as to whether he’s healthy and in shape. Legitimate rim protector, under 30 yo, sitting on his couch all season doesn’t make sense. But, aside from that, the NYK should sign him. They’ve got 2 open roster spots.
Nerlons Noel was offered a 4 year, $70M contract by the Dallas Mavericks. He turned it down saying that he was worth more. He went into free agency and didn’t get any major offers. He signed with OKC for $2M. He never got a contract offer close to what the Mavs offered. Most NBA players think they are worth more than they’re getting paid. It really comes from their agents.
If I recall he subsequently sued an agent who misrepresented having an offer to poach him from his prior agent.
Oladipo fumbled the bag too(turned down a max offer from Houston) only to get hurt later on and has made 9 million in a year at the most since. Schroder also fumbled by turning down a 80 mil contract from lakers. Schroder is at least productive and can make around that in the off season.
The Rockets really hate Jock Landale