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Raptors Interested In Nerlens Noel

By Matthew Allman

Apr 12, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) falls to the floor after colliding with Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel (4) in the first half at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 12, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) falls to the floor after colliding with Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel (4) in the first half at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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The NBA rumour mill has the Toronto Raptors seeking the availability of Philadelphia 76ers big man Nerlens Noel.

With the NBA offseason in full swing and the Toronto Raptors locking up DeMar DeRozan on a 5 year, $139 million extension, the attention shifts to improving the team’s glaring hole at the power forward position. Prior to draft, the Raptors were seeking the availability of Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap, however the Hawks rebuffed the idea. Also, acquiring Millsap would be just as wishful as the Raptor trying to acquire Kevin Durant.

This brings us to ESPN’s Zach Lowe’s report that Toronto asked Philadelphia about trading for F-C Nerlens Noel for a rotation player, most likely Terrence Ross…

Talks haven’t seen too much traction since, however Noel would certainly be a suitable front court starter for the Raptors along side Jonas Valanciunas, and would make for a nice insurance policy should Bismack Biyombo not return.

A trade package between the two teams would most likely look something like this:

Many might think that a future first-round draft pick might be too much to give up for Noel, though it compensates for Ross’ consistent inconsistency. However, if that was the offer pitched to Philly, then more value would obviously be needed to pry Noel loose. A more attractive deal would be something like this:

Related Story: Raptors – Sixers Trade talk Heating Up

Again, it might seem too costly to part with a future first rounder AND Patrick Patterson for the sake of Nerlens Noel, with Nik Stauskas seemingly being the throw-in on such a deal. However, Philly is looking for draft picks, and lots of them (albeit from the draft)…

… And the thought of parting with Patrick Patterson might draw the ire of the Raptors fan base. That notwithstanding, Noel will be a star in this league. And with his skill set and head coach Dwane Casey’s defensive system, he can blossom in ways that Philadelphia just cannot facilitate.

Nov 11, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) looks for an opening against Toronto Raptors forward Patrick Patterson (54) and center Jonas Valanciunas (17) during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) looks for an opening against Toronto Raptors forward Patrick Patterson (54) and center Jonas Valanciunas (17) during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

As we brace ourselves for the possible departure of Biyombo and as we keep looking at our glaring hole at the power forward spot, expect more rumours to fly around. We’ll keep you posted as this story develops.

Next: How The Raptors Can Acquire Paul Millsap

All stats are provided by Basketball-Reference.com unless otherwise stated. NBA Draft information and stats are provided by NBADraft.net unless otherwise stated. Matthew Allman is a staff writer for Raptors Rapture. For more coverage on the Toronto Raptors, follow Matthew on Twitter @ShadowRapsFan and also follow @RaptorsRapture for the latest in Raptors news.

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