By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly Editor
Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel is in the final year of his rookie contract. The two sides have until October 31 to reach an extension agreement or Noel will become a restricted free agent after the season. According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, there have been no talks with the third-year center regarding an extension. This is likely due to Noel's comments on the current center logjam with Jahlil Okafor, Joel Embiid and even Richaun Holmes.
"It's not really something that we've discussed, given some of the concerns that I think Nerlens has had, right now," said Colangelo, the team's president of basketball operation. "There's been very little if any discussion with his agents about any extension scenarios.
"But, I'll just leave it at that."
It's no secret that the Philadelphia 76ers have an issue with their centers. While all three are talented, there is not enough room or playing time for the trio on the Sixers in the future. Currently, Joel Embiid and Jahlil Okafor seem content with the playing time prediciment, having not spoken negatively about it at all. On the other hand, Nerlens Noel has expressed his opinion on the matter, saying that having three centers is "silly" and that "something needs to happen".
Noel's situation is interesting. We've seen his ability to protect the rim and be a member of the fast break. He could be an elite defender in this league. That being said, his lack of offensive upside makes him less valuable than both Jahlil Okafor and Joel Embiid at this point. Noel is currently nursing a groin injury with no timetable to return. He won't be ready to go for the opener on October 26, that's for sure.
If the Sixers decide not to extend Noel, they can still give him 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.
Last season, Nerlens Noel averaged 11.1 points and 8.1 rebounds in 67 games for the Sixers.