The 2016 NBA Draft is only 21 days away and the trade winds are already starting to swirl around the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers, who hold the first overall pick in this month’s draft could end up selecting LSU’s Ben Simmons or Duke’s Brandon Ingram to be one of the faces of the franchise.
But they could be making some more noise before the draft takes place later this month. According to Shams Charania of The Vertical, the Sixers and the Atlanta Hawks are discussing a trade package centered around big man Nerlens Noel and point guard Jeff Teague.
This is not the first time that the Sixers and Hawks have had trade talks this season. Before the trade deadline, there was a report out that had the Sixers possibly making an 11th-hour call to acquire either Teague or Atlanta’s backup point guard Dennis Schroder. In the report, it said that for the Sixers to acquire either point guard, they would have to give up Noel or Jahlil Okafor.
If the Sixers can acquire Teague, it would be an automatic solution to the team’s point guard situation. This season, Teague averaged 15.7 points, 5.9 assists and 2.7 rebounds in 28.5 minutes per game. He also shot 43.9 percent from the field and a career-high 40 percent from three-point range.
MIAMI, FL – JANUARY 31: Jeff Teague #0 of the Atlanta Hawks brings the ball up during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on January 31, 2016 in Miami, Florida. 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. Mandatory copyright notice: (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
It is not shocking to see that the Hawks are looking to move Teague. Backup point guard Dennis Schroder showed in the playoffs that he can be effective and run the team. Plus, Schroder is younger than Teague, who will be turning 28 years old in eight days.
But from the Sixers’ perspective, is Nerlens Noel, who is a rim protector and defender worth trading for Teague? That is the question at hand and only general manager Bryan Colangelo can answer.
Finally, for the Hawks, this possible trade benefits them, especially if they lose center Al Horford in free agency. Noel would provide the Hawks with a defensive presence and a player that they could keep under control, if they so choose. This season, Noel took another step in his development with help from point guard Ish Smith.
Noel averaged 11.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.5 blocks in 29.3 minutes per game. He also shot a career-high 52.1 percent from the field.
It will be interesting to see if this trade has any legs as we get closer to the 2016 NBA Draft.