Over the last week or so, the Philadelphia 76ers have been rumored to be shopping one or both of their young centers: Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor. While talented, the two former lottery picks have become luxuries, with Joel Embiid expected to make his NBA debut this year. As a result, one or both are likely on the trading block.
Yesterday, Shams Charania of The Vertical reported that Philly has discussed a deal with the Atlanta Hawks that would send out Noel and bring in point guard Jeff Teague.
The Philadelphia Inquirer adds that the deal could include small forward Robert Covington and shooting guard Nik Stauskas, or just one of those players. The Sixers reportedly tried to acquire Dennis Schroder from the Hawks at the trade deadline last season with Stauskas set to go to Atlanta. However, no deal ever emerged.
Teague's contract will expire after the 2016-17 season, and there have been rumors that he would leave in free agency if given the chance. In this scenario, the Hawks would receive some compensation. Teague averaged 15.7 points, 5.9 assists and 2.7 rebounds per game this past season. If traded, a $600,000 bonus will be tacked onto his $8 million base salary for 2016-17.
Noel is entering the final year of his rookie contract and will become a restricted free agent next offseason if not signed to an extension by the Oct. 31 deadline. Noel improved his play once moved to power forward this past season and posted year-long averages of 11.1 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, 1.8 steals and 1.8 assists per game.
The Sixers did draft former Offensive Rookie of the Year Michael Carter Williams to be their point guard of the future before trading him in 2014. Though his play has plateaued somewhat, it seems odd that Philly would move on from a young, talented and inexpensive point guard before trading another lottery pick to bring in a veteran PG who has already reached his ceiling and is making a lot of money.
Stauskas has been a disappointment two years into his NBA career and will become an unrestricted free agent next offseason if Philly does not exercise the team option on his deal for 2017-18. Covington can be waived without any financial consequences.
