Rumors: Dallas Mavericks have talked Nerlens Noel trade with Pistons

The Dallas Mavericks have been searching for a center upgrade since they traded Kristaps Porzingis to the Wizards at last season’s deadline. They reached the conference finals, but Dallas struggled to rebound and protect the rim on their way there. The front office added JaVale McGee and Christian Wood in the offseason to help solve those issues, but things have not worked out thus far.

McGee has gone from opening night starter to out of the rotation as he struggled to fit into the Mavs defensive scheme. Christian Wood has played almost exclusively next to Maxi Kleber to help hide his defensive deficiencies. Dwight Powell is back as the starting five with Kleber playing the majority of the minutes, which means the issues are back.

Rumors suggest the Mavs are interested in a center upgrade, and Ian Begley dropped the latest on Thursday where he linked Dallas to Nerlens Noel. Get the latest here.

Rumors: Dallas Mavericks have talked about Nerlens Noel trade with Pistons

Noel was traded from the Knicks to the Pistons this offseason as part of New York’s salary clearing to sign Jalen Brunson away from the Mavericks. Detroit has young centers Isaiah Steward and Jalen Duren that they want to play, which has left Noel out of the rotation for most of the season. Contending teams know what the veteran big man brings and there is interest across the league.

Begley notes the Mavericks and Pistons were recently in contact about Noel. Dallas is searching for a low-cost center upgrade. Noel is set to make $9.2 million this season, and he has a team option for $9.7 million next year. There would be zero long-term commitment, and the Mavs could add a strong rebounder and rim protector for likely just a second-round pick and salary matchers.

Noel played a season and a half with the Mavericks, and he turned down a long-term extension with the team to chase a bigger offer in free agency. Things did not work out, but the 6'10 big man could fill a need for the Mavs this season.

Will the Dallas Mavericks acquire Nerlens Noel before the Feb. 9 trade deadline? Do they land a center upgrade? The Mavs are certainly a team to watch, so stay tuned to see how it all plays out.