With the NBA All-Star Break upon us, teams around the league are evaluating their rosters, figuring out what is needed for the stretch run of the season. Several players who hit the buyout market have already been signed and more movement will occur in the next few weeks.
One player who has begun garnering interest from several teams around the NBA is veteran center Nerlens Noel. Noel has yet to play for a team this season after appearing in 17 games with the Detroit Pistons and Brooklyn Nets last season.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Noel is drawing exploratory interest from the New York Knicks, Charlotte Hornets and Houston Rockets. All three teams have varying levels of need in the middle.
The Knicks have been relying on veteran Taj Gibson to help hold down the fort with Mitchell Robinson, Isaiah Hartenstein and Jericho Sims all missing from the lineup at different points in recent weeks. Near the end of his second 10-day contract, it would be hard to envision New York signing him to a rest-of-the-season deal.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nerlens Noel, New York Knicks, Charlotte Hornets, Houston Rockets Updates
The inside track to landing Noel could belong to the Knicks. He experienced success under Tom Thibodeau during the 2020-21 season, averaging 2.2 blocks and 1.1 steals per game. Noel knows their system and would have a chance to compete in the playoffs, something the Rockets and Hornets cannot guarantee currently.
Houston’s interest is no surprise as they have been looking to add to their center depth since last summer. They attempted to sign Brook Lopez in free agency and checked in on the availability of centers around the league ahead of the NBA Trade Deadline to pair with Alperen Sengun.
The Hornets have been without Mark Williams for an extended period of time and he is going to miss at least three more weeks. Nick Richards has been playing in his place, but the team could look to add some more experienced depth with Noel for the stretch run of the season.
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