Nerlens Noel traded to Mavericks for Justin Anderson, 1st-round pick

The Philadelphia 76ers are sending Nerlens Noel to the Dallas Mavericks for Justin Anderson, Andrew Bogut and a protected (1-18) 2017 first-round pick, according to the Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski. If the pick does not convert this year, the Sixers will gain the Mavericks’ 2017 and 2018 second-round picks, per ESPN’s Zach Lowe.

Philly, stacked with enough centers, is going to send Bogut somewhere else before the deadline, according to ESPN’s Marc Stein. There’s a possibility he’s shipped to the Boston Celtics, per NBA.com’s David Aldridge.

The Sixers trade focus was originally on shipping Jahlil Okafor, who was told to stay home for two road games before the All-Star break with a trade imminent. It is not yet known if this means Okafor could stay in Philly after all.

It was clear that at least one of the Sixers’ centers had to move, and any trade the team makes is expected to cater to Joel Embiid. Noel and Embiid only played eight minutes together, and it’s clear that Philadelphia didn’t think they were a good fit.

With his upcoming restricted free agency, Philly deemed it was time to move and continue “Processing.”

Why this trade makes sense for the Sixers

One of Philly’s bigs had to go, and if Philadelphia felt it couldn’t get the right value for Okafor, the next best move was to get rid of Noel in a crowded front court.

Noel is set to enter the restricted free agent market this summer, and with teams still free with cap space, he was likely to be thrown money the Sixers wouldn’t match. Joel Embiid is the future, and Dario Saric is having a strong year as well. Philly has to be careful how it uses its cap room.

The trade lands the Sixers yet another draft pick and a chance on a young wing in Anderson. But that first-round pick is likely to become two second-round picks, and that feels too low a selling price for Philly.

Bogut probably won’t stay with the team, which also added Tiago Splitter 24 hours ago. NBA.com’s David Aldridge reports he may be on the move to Boston. There’s also a chance his contract is bought out.

Why this trade makes sense for the Mavericks

Mark Cuban has been shopping Bogut, but also told ESPN’s Marc Stein he was looking to take on contracts in exchange for draft picks. With the first-round pick likely to convert to just a pair of second-rounders though, this feels like a solid move for Dallas.

The looming restricted free agency which tempted Philly to trade Noel is enticing to Dallas, which has struggled to land big-name talent in free agency. Last season they nearly nabbed DeAndre Jordan until he changed his mind, but Dallas is now able to match any deal Noel signs this summer. He’s theirs if they want. Wojnarowski reports the Mavericks will work to extend him.