2020 NBA Free Agency: 3 Reasons why the Washington Wizards should sign Nerlens Noel
By Jamal Bedell
Reason #1: Price Tag should be reasonable
Nerlens Noel signed a one year deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder last season for $2.03 million. In the summer of 2017, he reportedly turned down a four-year extension worth $70 million from the Dallas Mavericks. Mark Cuban ended up pulling the offer and Noel was then forced to settle for the $4.2 million qualifying offer. He hasn’t received an offer in that ballpark of $17.5 million/year since then. In 2018, Noel left the Mavs after only two seasons and has since signed two one-year deals with OKC.
Even though Nerlens Noel has seven years of NBA experience, he’s still only 26 years old. That leaves him with more than enough time to secure the bag. With a solid outing this season, he could possibly put himself in position for a big payday again next year. The Wizards don’t have the finances to offer Noel a big contract but they can provide him with one thing: Opportunity. With no real logjam at the center position, Noel can expect to play at least 20-25 mins a night for Washington. It could be a beneficial short-term partnership if Noel can elevate his game, and elevate the center position in Washington.
Next. 3 Reasons the Wizards Should Sign Justin Holiday. dark
As of right now, he only has to compete with Thomas Bryant and Mo Wagner for minutes at the five. Nerlens Noel is a better defender than both of them at this stage of his career so it won’t be hard for Coach Scott Brooks to find him minutes. The Wizards just need to put together a competitive offer once Free Agency begins and lure Noel to D.C. A one or two year prove-it deal with an option seems like the right way to go. The level of interest in Noel around the league is unclear but the Wizards must be aggressive in their pursuit and secure a contract with him early!