The Philadelphia 76ers and Atlanta Hawks are reportedly discussing a trade involving Nerlens Noel and Jeff Teague, and there could be other parts involved. A couple of names, via the Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey: Robert Covington and Nik Stauskas.
If the Sixers do trade Noel, Covington and Stauskas, it will be a drastic departure from former general manager Sam Hinkie's "process," which was about acquiring draft picks and players with potential, developing them and, above all preaching patience.
Noel is a 22-year old rim protector who has the potential to be one of the best defenders in the league. Covington was Hinkie's best under-the-radar find, a 3-and-D wing player who any team could have signed a couple of years ago. Stauskas is a former lottery pick who has struggled throughout his first two seasons, but has shown flashes as a playmaker and shooter. Teague is 27 years old and will command a massive salary a year from now.
It's not crazy that new Philadelphia general manager Bryan Colangelo would explore shaking up the roster, and it's especially understandable that he'd look to move Noel and/or big man Jahlil Okafor, as has been reported. This specific scenario is strange, though, and it's hard to judge either team's thought process without knowing the state of the discussions and who else might be included in a deal.
