By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly Editor 
The Philadelphia 76ers are likely to make a move at some point involving on of their big men, but the thought of Nerlens Noel not suiting up for the team again makes little sense. Despite his comments on the center logjam, Noel is unlikely to get dealt without playing and one would imagine that the Sixers don't just hold him out all season and let him walk in free agency. As hard as it may be to comprehend, at some point this season, Nerlens Noel, Jahlil Okafor, Joel Embiid and Richaun Holmes will all be splitting time.
Nerlens Noel is the Sixers center who is the most likely to be moved, whether it be via trade this season or by free agency after the season. In order to trade him though, the Sixers and Noel must show other teams that he is healthy and can still play at a high level. If Philadelphia is expecting to get a first round pick in a deal with Noel, it's hard to believe that a team would bite at that without seeing the third-year center play a game in the regular season. Noel has shown on numerous occasions that he can be a valuable defensive asset while also being able to run the floor on offense. Although his offensive game leaves much to be desired, but as a true defender off the bench, his limited scoring ability could work for another team.
Even though Nerlens is set to become a restricted free agent after the season, when he's healthy, the Sixers are likely to use plenty of different combinations to see what fits with their roster moving forward. Many believe that Jahlil Okafor's style of play doesn't fit into the Sixers hope of a fast paced offense while his defense also leaves plenty to be desired, so there could be a small possibility that they try and part ways with Okafor if Noel becomes a more valuable bench piece this season.
Keep in mind that Philadelphia can decide to give Noel a qualifying offer and will have a chance to match any offer he gets in free agency. If they see that he could be a better fit with Joel Embiid, there's a very small chance he returns. That being said, with Embiid, Saric and Okafor due for extensions in the next two years, Noel may demand more than they can afford.
When it comes down to it, if Joel Embiid is healthy and can play without concern after his minute restriction is lifted, both Jahlil Okafor and Nerlens Noel become expendable. Noel seems like he will be the first one to go, but this year's trade deadline could become a very interesting one for the Sixers.
