Why did Philly get rid of Nerlens Noel so quickly? I'm not trolling, I'm genuinely asking. He seemed like a good building block when they got him-an athletic big who could rebound and defend really well. Was it injuries, or is he just not that good? I know this last year in Dallas has been a disaster. It seemed like he did ok generally his first couple of years in Philly.
He was a restricted free agent and colangelo misread the market. The fact he signed a qualifying offer for Dallas means it was a low key horrible trade.
One of the things I truely hate about colangelo is his trying to sell things, eg Noel was traded for a "first" which was obviously two seconds from the beginning. It fooled only the stupid and fuck you for trying to fake the trade.
I always felt that the right to match was worth something, I did think he'd get more than he did but was always a chance he took one year to become a UFA. The fact they good damn sold the pick as well made a true disgrace. They traded him for a distant second Anderson and cash.
He would have been a lot cheaper than amir. Allowing another piece.
But Dallas has seemingly given up on Noel too, I see the talent but it's hard to argue as more NBA teams move on.
We've spoken multiple times on this board about the possibility of LBJ going to PHI. (Apparently, LBJ made a phone call to Simmons before game 3 so they certainly have a relationship.) But if LBJ and PG decide to team up and get to LA, there's not a ton out there this year. Boogie or trying to pry Aaron Gordon out of ORL might be their best options.
The cap is set up to allow a max this year or next, if they strike out this year they can do one year deals again and try again next year. That's the window to sign a free agent or take on salary in a trade.
Personally, I don't really know why LeBron would go be on a question mark team on LA. To get both they have to lose randle and Lopez and maybe even dump dieng (I don't think that's true post Cavs trade but need to check).
They have Ingram, ball (who is a question mark re shot) Paul and LeBron and kuzma I guess.
Maybe that's enough but I don't know I see that team with zero depth getting past the west powers. And one injury ....
They moved Lance and Russell and Clarkson already.
That said the team has shown ability to find talent later in the draft.
We shall see and I'm far from expecting LeBron to sixers but I think this idea LA is done is a bit weird