Report: Raptors ‘heavily interested’ in Noel, both sides talking

By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly Editor  

On Friday, ESPN’s Marc Stein reported that the Toronto Raptors are among the teams that have expressed interest in Philadelphia 76ers center Nerlens Noel. It seems like talks are heating up as the two sides are talking about a trade with the Sixers hoping to get a first rounder in return.

Source: #Raptors heavily interested in Nerlens Noel. #Sixers would like a first rounder and Cory Jospeh in return. Both sides talking.

— Trey Rodriguez (@TreyPOV) November 5, 2016

In addition to reportedly wanting a first round pick, Philadelphia is interested in Cory Joseph, who was selected 29th overall by the Spurs back in the 2011 draft. In 289 career NBA games, Joseph has averaged 6.1 points and 2.3 assists per game. 

Meanwhile, Nerlens Noel is 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. Last season, he averaged 11.1 points and 8.1 rebounds in 67 games for the Sixers.  Noel is expected to become a restricted free agent on July 1 after the Sixers opted not to extend him prior to the October 31 deadline.