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Washington Wizards Trade Rumors: Wizards targeting Maverick’s Nerlens Noel

By Jen Julie Smith

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 7: Nerlens Noel #3 of the Dallas Mavericks dunks against the Washington Wizards on November 7, 2017 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 7: Nerlens Noel #3 of the Dallas Mavericks dunks against the Washington Wizards on November 7, 2017 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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If the Clippers are able to deal DeAndre Jordan to the Mavericks, then the  Washington Wizards should have a very good shot at Nerlen’s Noel. Also, a very slight chance at DeMarcus Cousins.

On Tuesday, the Washington Wizards traded Marcin Gortat to the Los Angeles Clippers for Austin Rivers.

Late Wednesday night, Marc Stein of the NYTimes  is now reporting that the Clippers are actively engaged in talks with the Mavericks to acquire DeAndre Jordan before the start of free agency.

"“The Dallas Mavericks are actively exploring trade possibilities with the Los Angeles Clippers and the former All-N.B.A. center DeAndre Jordan in hopes of finding a workable deal to acquire Jordan this week, according to two people familiar with the discussions.”"

After the Gortat-Rivers trade, I wrote that all roads may lead through the Mavericks in the Wizards quest for a center.

"“We have to keep our eyes on the Mavericks, not because they want Jordan or Cousins, but because of Nerlens Noel. (Yes, we’ll see if they get Cousins).”"

Acquiring Gortat opened the door for the Clippers to explore trades for Jordan in the first place.

If Jordan goes to Dallas, that places Washington in a very good position to pick up Noel.

Of course, there are those who want DeMarcus Cousins in Washington, but pragmatism and the pocketbook may prevail due to the salary cap. The good news is that Dallas doesn’t get Cousins.

David Aldridge had this to say:

So for now it’s a Nerlens Noel watch. The Wizards need a center, and can get Noel on their books at a good price.

Noel may not be the Wildcat fans are looking for right now, but he’s athletic and fills Washington’s most pressing need.

However, that doesn’t mean more help is not on the way.

Upadate: Since DeAndre Jordan opted-out of his contract on Friday, it’s more than likely he ends up with the Mavs. Which should not surprise anyone.

Also on Friday, ESPN‘s Adrian Wojnarowski reported, that it’s very likely that Cousins re-signs with the Pelicans on a two-year deal.

All that means for Washington, is that Noel will get moved. Hopefully, the Wizards swoop in to pick him up.

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