NBA Rumors: 3 Teams Are "Most Engaged" In Pursuit Of Pistons Center

When the Detroit Pistons made a Draft Day deal with the New York Knicks, obtaining backup center Nerlens Noel was just supposed to be a 'salary filler' move. And essentially, it has been, as Noel has played in only 12 games for coach Dwane Casey, and averaged less than 12 minutes in those games. 

But Noel has become a wanted man on the trade market as teams are looking more and more for help at the five. No less than three teams are very "engaged" in trying to secure the nine-year veteran center. 

The Miami Heat, Denver Nuggets and Dallas Mavericks are the teams ‘most engaged’ on trade talks surrounding Nerlens Noel, per @JLEdwardsIII pic.twitter.com/xbYDlTa4Ok

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) January 16, 2023

According to Pistons beat writer James L. Edwards of The Athletic,  "per league sources, the teams most engaged in talks with the Pistons about Noel to date are the Miami Heat, Denver Nuggets and Dallas Mavericks."

Both Noel and the Pistons have agreed to work on a deal to send him to a better situation where he'd be counted on for some important backup minutes. Detroit has a team option for $9.6M on the big man's contract for next season, and he has already indicated he's not interested in a buyout. 

In Miami, they're relying on two-way player Orlando Robinson for backup center minutes currently, with Dewayne Dedmon falling out of favor with coach Erik Spoelstra. 

In Denver, Deandre Jordan isn't really capable of taking on consistent minutes anymore, while Dallas could certainly use some more rim protection, as their signing of JaVale McGee hasn't worked out the way they'd hoped. He's averaging just eight minutes per game. 

It appears that the Pistons will be able to get an asset in exchange for Noel.

Photo: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports