By: Brandon Apter, managing editor 
To this point, most of the rumors swirling around the Sixers have been about moving Jahlil Okafor for another top pick in the draft. Okafor's offensive ability was demonstrated in his rookie season, but he proved to be a liability on defense. Enter Nerlens Noel. His defensive ability, especially his rim protection, have proved valuable on numerous occasions for the Sixers, but his lack of offense, both in the post and from 5-10 feet away from the net, has been a concern. There's no doubting his speed and his explosive alley-oop capabilities, but on a Sixers team that needs scorers, he may be the odd man out.
According to Marc Stein of ESPN, a trade involving Noel is becoming more likely as the Sixers continue to try and acquire the third overall pick from the Celtics.
League sources tell @chadfordinsider and me: Philadelphia is ramping up its efforts to acquire tonight's No. 3 overall pick from Boston.
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 23, 2016
Numerous rivals describe Philly as the most active team in circulation … with a trade involving Nerlens Noel looking more and more likely
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) June 23, 2016
It's been no surprise that the Sixers have been active, if not one of the most active teams leading up to the draft when it comes to attempting to trade up in the draft. Yes, they have the No.1 selection, which they will reportedly use to take Ben Simmons, but Philadelphia has been trying to move back up to draft a point guard. Kris Dunn seems to be the favorite, but Jamal Murray and Buddy Hield could also be options.
Bryan Colangelo clearly believes that one of these guards will become a future piece for the team, because the Sixers still have the Lakers top-3 protected pick next season and their own first round pick in a draft that could provide more depth. Trading either Okafor or Noel without knowing the future of Joel Embiid is risky, but it seems like its one he is willing to take to put the Hinkie process in the rear view.
