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Clippers reportedly targeting Knicks Nerlens Noel

By Hans Themistode

LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 09: Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers is defended by Nerlens Noel #3 of the New York Knicks during the first half of the game at Staples Center on May 9, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 09: Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers is defended by Nerlens Noel #3 of the New York Knicks during the first half of the game at Staples Center on May 9, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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The star-studded lineup of the LA Clippers can’t hide the undeniable stench of their need to add more size to a roster currently bereft of it. Even at their absolute best, LA was pushed around on the glass. During the 2020-21 season, with a fully fit Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, LA struggled mightily in the rebounding department, finishing the season ranked 17th overall with a nightly average of 44.2 rebounds.

Although Leonard is expected to bounce back nicely from a torn ACL that kept him out of the lineup for the entire season, and regardless of the recent addition of former All-Star guard John Wall, the Clippers are in desperate need of a true presence that will gobble up boards. Presently, Ivica Zubac is LA’s only true big man. However, the Clippers rebounding woes won’t be beholden to just him if they successfully land the services of Nerlens Noel.

As first reported by HoopsHype.com, both the Clippers and the New York Knicks have recently engaged in possible trade talks centered around Noel. The oft-injured big man is currently being viewed as inconsequential to the Knicks’ long-term success and an impediment to their offseason goals.

If acquired, while LA is currently entangled in cap space hell, Noel’s $9.2 million dollar salary for the 2022-23 season, would fit into the $9.7 million dollar trade exception that was created as part of the Serge Ibaka trade. New York’s desire to offload several deleterious contracts, including Noels’, stems from their open pursuit of current Dallas Mavericks point guard, Jalen Brunson.

Nerlens Noel could help the LA Clippers in a huge way

In what amounted to another injury-hit year for Noel, the lanky defensive presence provided New York with meager offensive numbers, averaging just 3.4 points per game. Ultimately, where his value lies, however, is on the defensive side of the ball. Noel grabbed 5.6 boards per game, 1.9 on the offensive end, to go along with 1.2 blocks a night in just 22.5 minutes per game.

As LA continues to round out the rest of their roster, they remained pact during this season’s NBA Draft. In doing so, the franchise nabbed Moussa Diabate with the 43rd overall pick. Recently, Lawrence Frank, President of Basketball Operations, openly admitted that while Diabate is a part of their future plans, he’s more or less viewed as a long-term project.

Should Diabate play a tenuous role next season, the need to make a deal for Noel and add size to their roster becomes even more salient.

Next. 3 Reasons John Wall signing can be game changer. dark

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