Needing more minutes for their young players, the Detroit Pistons decided to move on from veteran center Nerlens Noel. The two sides reportedly agreed to a contract buyout which will allow Noel to sign with another team as a free agent.
The timing of the move is also important. By agreeing to a buyout this week, Noel is eligible to play in the playoffs for his new team.
Noel only played 14 games with the Pistons in 2022-23, spending less than 11 minutes on the floor on average. He had 2.3 points and 2.6 rebounds per game.
There are several teams who are expected to have an interest in Noel as a free agent. The Portland Trail Blazers are mentioned as the most likely destination for the 28-year-old, considering the team’s need for a backup big. The Blazer’s starting center Jusuf Nurkic is currently out with a left calf strain, having missed nine straight games, and there is no timeline for his return yet.
Nerlens Noel started his NBA career with the Philadelphia 76ers as the team’s sixth overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. After two and a half seasons in Philly, he bounced around the league, suiting up for Dallas Mavericks, Oklahoma City Thunder, and the New York Knicks. Noel averaged 7.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game while in NBA.
