Both the Detroit Pistons and the Dallas Mavericks have reportedly “touched base” in which Nerlens Noel emerged as one of the players discussed, sources told SNY’s Ian Begley. 

Noel was acquired by the Pistons in a package from the last offseason via New York, which gave the Knicks major salary space to eventually land Jalen Brunson in free agency. This season, he hasn’t sniffed a lot of exposure under head coach Dwane Casey given the team’s crowded frontcourt enforcers in Marvin Bagley III, Jalen Duren, and rookie Jalen Duren.

This season, he is averaging career lows in points (1.8), boards (3.2), minutes (10.3), and games played (6), such unusual numbers given his high productivity from the past few seasons wearing the Knicks uniform.

Following this season, the big man has a team option next year worth $9.68MM in amount, making himself a potentially expiring asset and a reasonable trade piece that still has value to be seized on.

Given his shot-blocking and paint-protection reputation, the Mavs can certainly boost their front with a probable addition of Noel. Notably last week, they reportedly could look to add up a center that can complement well to Christian Wood’s offensively-inclined skill set.