The Golden State Warriors are rumored to be pursuing Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel and could use veteran small forward Andre Iguodala as the centerpiece of a trade package.
Golden State has recently been linked to several trade rumors as the team struggles to reach expectations early in the season. Despite currently having a 5-2 win-loss slate, analysts seem the Warriors struggling to find their true potential.
Latest rumors suggest that a trade with the Sixers for Noel could be one of the solutions to balance out the Warriors current lineup as the former Kentucky standout will fill-in for the team's lack of ceiling, defense, and interior presence.
Meanwhile, Philadelphia is also rumored to be looking for an interested team to deal for Noel as the Sixers currently have a logjam at the center spot with Jahlil Okafor and Joel Embiid also in the lineup.
Noel recently told reporters that he is ready to be traded sometime this season as he though it is "silly" to have "three starting centers" in one team, which is currently the case in Philadelphia.
However, Inquisitr reported that Philly could ask for Iguodala in return, which could further weaken the Warriors bench, something that head coach Steve Kerr is concerned about this season.
The veteran small forward is considered as the heart and soul of Golden State's second unit and giving him up will not only make them lose a solid on-court backup but a team leader in the locker room.
A Noel-Iguodala swap is approved by ESPN's Trade Machine, but it remains to be seen whether the Warriors are ready to let go of the former NBA Finals MVP.
Sportsrageous indicated that if the Warriors will not agree to deal Iguodala, the Sixers may then ask for starting forward Draymond Green, who is another essential part of Golden State's success.
The report noted that any trade with the Warriors could be a disadvantage for the Sixers as they are essentially giving away Noel's attitude and youth for the egos of either Iguodala or Green.
However, with Philly's current surplus of young big men, it would be easy for them to give up Noel to gain the experience and leadership of players like Iguodala and Green.
