The Knicks have been looking to move veteran center Nerlens Noel and discussed a possible Noel trade with the Clippers, per Michael Scotto of HoopsHype.
Noel, 30, appeared in 25 games this past season, averaging a career-low 3.4 points. But he is still viewed as an energizing big man who can added intangibles such as defense and rebounding.
As Scotto mentioned, Noel’s $9.2 million salary would fit seamlessly into the Clippers’ trade exception of $9.7 million. The Knicks are also armed with 22 draft picks over the next seven years, Scotto noted, in the event a potential trade partner also wanted future assets.
Trading Noel and not taking back any salary would clear $24.5 million in cap space for the Knicks, Scotto wrote, citing HoopsHype’s Yossi Gozlan. That could assist them significantly in the event they are pursuing Mavericks free agent guard Jalen Brunson, as has been rumored.
Noel’s contract includes a $9.68 million team option in 2023-24. Scotto added that unrestricted free agent Clippers center Isaiah Hartenstein is a name to watch in a possible Noel deal.
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