The Toronto Raptors have inquired to the Philadelphia 76ers about a trade for big man Nerlens Noel, reports ESPN’s Zach Lowe:
The Raptors will need to move at least one big deal to have any hope of retaining both DeMar DeRozan and Biyombo, and teams will call about DeMarre Carroll. Toronto has already approached Philly about a deal sending out a rotation player — perhaps Terrence Ross, and other goodies — in exchange for Nerlens Noel, who could then assume Biyombo’s backup center role, according to league sources. The talks haven’t gained much traction yet.
With both Jonas Valanciunas and Bismack Biyombo on the roster, it’s rather surprising to hear that Toronto would target another center. The biggest weakness for Toronto is definitely at the power forward spot, and while Noel can play the four, he’s a true center. Between Biyombo, Valanciunas, and Noel, the Raptors don’t get much spacing out of their big men. Patrick Patterson is a nice shooter, but he isn’t elite, and his playing time will reduce even further if the team signs Noel.
Some free agent power forwards that could fit well in Toronto include Ryan Anderson, Al Horford, Jared Sullinger, and Marvin Williams. Anderson and Williams would be especially great fits as both are excellent shooters.
