Old North Banter
Fansided

Charlotte Hornets: Trade the First for Noel?

By John Woodcock

Mar 2, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) drives to the net as Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) defends during the first quarter of the game at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) drives to the net as Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) defends during the first quarter of the game at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

If the Philadelphia 76ers are serious about parting with one of their young posts, the Charlotte Hornets should go ahead and make an offer for Nerlens Noel.

In my mind, I am not exactly thrilled with the idea of the Charlotte Hornets staying put in this draft. It seems like it would be the most likely outcome at this point, but all it means is that the Hornets will get a player. That player will be a contributor most likely, but is unlikely to light the world on fire.

The last time the Hornets drafted a player in the twenties was when they drafted Shabazz Napier from Connecticut only to turn around and trade him for P.J. Hairston. Hairston is no longer on the roster, being part of the package deal for Courtney Lee. Lee is a free agent right now.

Then the thought occurred to me while writing about Jahlil Okafor and his trade status at the moment. Philadelphia has too many posts. Yet Okafor may be the most valuable they have. Why trade that guy? Sure you might get the best return but you also give up the most talent. Why not trade Nerlens Noel or Joel Embiid?

More from Charlotte Hornets

This idea fit in with things I had written before. I have so far said that the Hornets need a dedicated shot blocker. I have said that the Hornets need to save money. I have said the Hornets aren’t looking at excitement with the 22nd pick.

I wanted Embiid because if he was ever healthy he was a freak. Of course so was Greg Oden and he just was never healthy. So instead, we are going to nab Nerlens Noel from the 76ers. Noel can offer the defensive anchor the Hornets have coveted. Sure he is not as polished as some other players, but the Hornets don’t have a huge amount to offer.

More from Old North Banter

Back when we talked trade chips, the Hornets can only really throw in Jeremy Lamb or Spencer Hawes into a trade. Noel is still on his rookie deal which pays him a little over 4 million a year. Lamb and the 22nd pick would make the most mathematical sense.

Such a deal would give the Hornets interior defensive help. It would save some money since Lamb’s extension kicks in next season. It would also allow Philadelphia to get a first round pick while unclogging their front line. They might even be able to draft Ben Simmons with the first pick.

The Hornets would also let Al Jefferson walk in this scenario. No longer needing to resign Jefferson could give the team more resources to put into attempts to bring back Nicolas Batum, Marvin Williams, and Jeremy Lin. If stuck near the cap, the Hornets could use the midlevel exception to bring back Courtney Lee if he was amenable.

Next: The Excitement of the 1996 NBA Draft

The 76ers would then have the 1st, 22nd, 24th, and 26th picks. Other than the Simmons/Ingram choice at one, Philadelphia could draft a point guard at one of those later spots or perhaps package them together to move back up in the draft.

Home/Charlotte Hornets