Report: Sixers, Trailblazers have ‘held discussions’ about Noel

By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly editor  

Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel has not backed off of his opinion regarding the team logjam at center after talking to the media following practice earlier this week. At this point, he's likely to suit up for the Sixers before a potential trade, but dealing Noel seems like the best possible solution to the current predicament.

According to Sam Amico of Amico Hoops and Fox Sports Ohio, the Portland Trailblazers have recently reached out to the Sixers about the third-year center out of Kentucky.

Noel has hinted he would like to play elsewhere when he does return, and the Sixers are attempting to accommodate him. He is part of a crowded frontcourt that includes second-year center Jahlil Okafor and rookie Joel Embiid.

Several teams, including Portland, have recently held discussions with the Sixers about Noel.

Noel suffered a groin injury in the teams' first preseason and has not played since. He underwent a minor elective procedure to repair an inflamed plica in his right knee and rehabbed in Birmingham, Alabama for a few weeks before returning to the team.

Last season for Philadelphia, Noel averaged 11.1 points and 8.1 rebounds per game.