Following a productive season with the New York Knicks, Nerlens Noel is set to be a free agent this summer and will be looking to sign a new deal in the 2021 NBA offseason. With a rather dry market for centers, Noel definitely should be able to cash out on a new team that's in dire need of size and length.
Let's take a look at the four best landing spots for him in 2021 NBA free agency.
Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets just witnessed greatness with rookie sensation LaMelo Ball taking the league by storm. With Ball leading the way and Gordon Hayward set to return at full strength, Charlotte has a number of guards and wings who can play. What the Hornets need is an upgrade at center, making Nerlens Noel a perfect fit.
Noel would provide Ball with an ideal lob partner and would be the defensive anchor down low the team needs. A starting five of Ball, Terry Rozier, Hayward, Miles Bridges, and Noel could definitely make some noise in the Eastern Conference next season and potentially make them an exciting lower seed with great upset potential in the playoffs. The addition of Noel to their starting lineup would allow the Hornets to wreak all kinds of havoc while giving them a much-needed upgrade at the center spot.
Toronto Raptors
With the Raptors going through a rough 2020-21 campaign, they'll look to bounce back huge in 2021-22. After losing Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol last offseason, Toronto will try to upgrade at center after Aron Baynes flopped. Chris Boucher and Khem Birch (set to be a free agent) are solid players, but the Raptors need more help at the position.
This move would solidify Toronto's rotation and help put them right back in the playoff mix next season. Noel's coachability and willingness to grow would make him the perfect fit in Nick Nurse's system.
Brooklyn Nets
With the Nets having a title contender already put in place, a key area of weakness for them is size and length on the interior. The addition of Nerlens Noel would solve that problem and give them another athletic center in addition to Nicolas Claxton who could run the floor. He could also use his stellar rebounding to create more opportunities for them on offense while helping them make some critical stops on defense.
This signing could complete the Nets roster and give them a reliable center who could contribute to their future title runs as well. If Brooklyn wants to overtake the likes of Philly and Milwaukee next season, then adding some size and rebounding is exactly what they will need to get over the hump next postseason.
Dallas Mavericks
After a shakeup in the front office and a complete overhaul of their coaching staff, the Mavs' next order of business will be to build a stronger and more reliable supporting cast around franchise star Luka Doncic. A great start to this initiative would be signing Nerlens Noel to bulk up their frontcourt and give them a mobile center who thrives in the pick-and-roll game.
With Luka's court vision and stellar passing, he'd be able to create more opportunities for Noel on offense and help him improve his game immensely. Noel's rebounding and rim protection would also be a major upgrade for the Mavs and help improve their defense.
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