NBA Trade Rumors: Sixers, Raptors talking Nerlens Noel trade

ESPN’s Marc Stein has reported that the Raptors — needing depth at center after losing Jared Sullinger to injury and Bismack Biyomboto the Magic— are talking to Philadelphia about acquiring Nerlens Noel.

In the talks, Stein and other sources have suggested thatCory Joseph and a first round pick could be the return — should Philly and Toronto pull the trigger.

Another report from the Philadelphia Inquirer suggests that the Sixerstalked about Toronto already and they were interested inTerrence Ross.

Whatever the return might be, it’s a matter of time before Philly moves on from one of their young and promising big men.

The emergence of Joel Embiidmeans that Noel or Jahlil Okafor is likley on the outs. It is appearing more and more unlikely that two of the Sixers’ three big men can play together at once, particularly when adding 6-foot-10 Ben Simmons and Dario Saric — or newly acquiredErsan Ilyasova(a true stretch-four).

Noel is still sidelined after getting minor surgery on his left knee and has not played a game yet — so obviously a deal is not imminent.