By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly Editor 
The Philadelphia 76ers and center Nerlens Noel did not reach an agreement on a contract extension before Monday night's deadline,so the third-year big man is set to become a restricted free agent come July 1. This news doesn't come as much of a surprise, especially after Noel openly expressed his concerns about the amount of centers on the team.
"I think it's just silly . . . this situation that we are in now with three starting centers," Noel said on the eve of the Sixers' media day. "With the departure of [former general manager and president] Sam Hinkie, I would have figured that management would be able to get something done this summer."
The Sixers can still give Noel a qualifying offer after the season. In that situation, the Sixers would have the opportunity to match any offer from another team. If they opt not to give him a qualifying offer, then he'll become an unrestricted free agent. Obviously, Noel could very likely be involved in trade discussions once he gets healthy.
"It's not really something that we've discussed, given some of the concerns that I think Nerlens has had, right now," Bryan Colangelo said earlier in October. "There's been very little if any discussion with his agents about any extension scenarios.
Last season, Nerlens Noel averaged 11.1 points and 8.1 rebounds in 67 games for the Sixers. He's currently sidelined following minor surgery to take care of an inflamed plica in his knee in addition to nursing a groin injury suffered during the preseason opener. There's no timetable for his return, but he's expected to miss at least the first three weeks of the season.
