NBA Trade Rumors, Update: Philadephia 76ers Nerlens Noel Might Join Boston Celtics Before Trade Deadline [VIDEO]
Boston Celtics is reached the NBA playoffs in the past two seasons. During those times, they have a combined 88-76 win-loss record. But despite making the playoffs, they lost in the first round in the past two years.
With the addition of Al Horford, the Celtics appears to be a much more dangerous team this season. Now at 19-13 win-loss record, they are second in the Atlantic division and third in the whole Eastern Conference. The Celtics won six of their last seven games.
Isaiah Thomas is having his best season by far as he is averaging 26.8 points, 2.5 rebounds and 6.2 assists on 43.9% shooting from the field and 89.4% shooting from the free-throw line, as per ESPN. New Celtics acquisition Al Horford is also playing at a high level. In 22 games with the Celtics this season, he is averaging 15.5 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks per game.
But despite being a much more formidable team this season, the Celtics are still behind the Cavaliers and the Raptors in the East. With their status right now, they would probably reach the second round of the playoffs at best. For them to have a deeper playoff run, they need to add another key player.
And according to Boston, Boston Celtics might acquire Nerlens Noel from the Philadelphia 76ers. In exchange, the Celtics could trade Terry Rozier and/or a protected first-round draft pick.
Despite being a starter for most of his career, Nerlens Noel still didn't become a starter this season. He is only averaging 4.2 points and 2.0 rebounds. He is also averaging a career low in minutes with only 7.8 minutes of playing time.
The reason for the sudden drop in Noel's minutes is the overcrowded frontcourt players in the Sixers lineup. The Sixers already have Joel Embiid and Jahlil Okafor. Because he just came from an injury, he is playing the fewest minutes among the three.
If Noel will be traded to the Celtics before the NBA trade deadline, he could pair up with Al Horford in guarding the paint. Nerlens Noel is known for being a very good defensive player. However, his offensive skills are still lacking. With the Celtics high paced offense, it is unclear if Noel will fit in with the team.
