The Minnesota Timberwolves and Philadelphia 76ers are two struggling teams that are having a hard time of finding their rhythm in the early going of the regular season. NBA trade rumors are now spreading that a trade deal between them and the Portland Trail Blazers are in the works right now with Nerlens Noel, Allen Crabbe, and Gorgui Dieng as trade pieces.
The Timberwolves are expected to have at least a good showing this season for acquiring head coach Tom Thibodeau, who is known to be a winner, plus a pool of young and upcoming talented players. And it seems that experience is what they are lacking which prompted coach Thibodeau to search for capable players that could help them.
As for the 76ers, Noel has been the subject of numerous trade deal since the offseason up until now. Having a crowded frontcourt with the return of Joel Embiid, the 76ers are said to be considering of unloading Noel or Jahlil Okafor but it seems that Noel will be the first one to go.
Now, a proposed NBA trade deal is said to be recommended to the Timberwolves, 76ers, and Trail Blazers and just waiting to be discussed. Trade scenario is suggesting the following:
1. The Minnesota Timberwolves will acquire Nerlens Noel from the 76ers;
2. The Philadelphia 76ers will then get Allen Crabbe plus 2017 second-round draft pick from the Trail Blazers;
3. Finally, the Portland Trail Blazers will obtain Gorgui Dieng from the Timberwolves.
Some say that the trade doesn't seem fair to one party but others are saying it a good deal for everyone. Some say that this is just a simple reshuffling of big men for all three teams that could somehow give them another perspective on their roster.
Noel could give the Timberwolves an added inside presence that can protect the rim for them and could give some scoring down low. For Crabbe, this could be his opportunity to showcase his talent as a starter for the 76ers. Unlike just a bench player from the Trail Blazers while Dieng could sustain the bench production for the Trail Blazers.
However, one roadblock is preventing this trade from happening. Crabbe just recently signed a 4-year, $74.8 million contract last summer with the Trail Blazers which means that he cannot be traded for now as it will violate NBA trade rules as per checking with ESPN NBA Trade Machine.
Thus, the rumored deal between the Minnesota Timberwolves, Philadelphia 76ers, and Portland Trail Blazers will not proceed at this moment. So, there is time for the three teams to think this rumored NBA trade deal and assess if Allen Crabbe, Nerlens Noel, and Gorgui Dieng is better off with other teams.
