Former 76ers Center Nerlens Noel Completes Buyout With Pistons

Earlier on in February, it was rumored that former Philadelphia 76ers draft pick Nerlens Noel could be leaving the Detroit Pistons through a contract buyout, making him one of the hidden gems in the buyout market.

As the trade deadline came to a close, there was no sign of the 28-year-old big man leaving the Motor City.

That was until Monday, when ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the two sides had agreed to a contract buyout, officially putting him in the market.

Center Nerlens Noel and the Detroit Pistons have completed a contract buyout, his agent @GeorgeLangberg tells ESPN. Noel can join a team and become eligible for a playoff roster.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 27, 2023

Before the deadline, Noel was one of several names rumored to be linked with the Sixers as the team searched for a backup center for Joel Embiid, with Paul Reed and Montrezl Harrell sharing the position for the first half of the season.

Granted, since the initial rumors surfaced, Philadelphia's front office has pulled the trigger on another backup center in Dewayne Dedmon, who has yet to make his Sixers' debut and is currently dealing with a hip injury. So, it may be safe to say that Noel's homecoming is a bit unrealistic at the moment.

Noel played two and a half seasons in the City of Brotherly Love, averaging 10 points and seven rebounds on 50 percent shooting, which is more than enough for a backup big to fill the shoes of Embiid.

For now, Philadelphia will sit with their recent signing of Dedmon, whose contract expires at the end of the season, so then Noel may be reunited with the city he once called home.

Declan Harris contributes to All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him on Twitter: @DecIanH.

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