NBA Rumors: Trade Reports and Rumblings from Around the League

The 2015-16 NBA season is still in progress, but only for three teams. Squads not named the Cleveland Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors or Oklahoma City Thunder have turned their attention to the upcoming offseason, which includes the draft on June 23 and the end of the trade and free-agency moratorium on July 7.

Rumblings regarding the offseason have started to emerge over recent weeks, and it’s becoming clear that this summer could significantly change the landscape of the league.

Let’s recap some rumors that have surfaced during recent days related to three Eastern Conference teams.

Philadelphia Looking to Trade Okafor or Noel?

It’s no secret that the Philadelphia 76ers’ top prospects aren’t spread out across the five positions. On the interior, the team has Nerlens Noel, Joel Embiid, Dario Saric and Jahlil Okafor—all lottery picks in 2013, 2014 or 2015 with All-Star NBA ceilings.

And the point guard, shooting guard and small forward positions? Philly’s four biggest minute-getters there in 2015-16 (Hollis Thompson, Jerami Grant, Isaiah Canaan and Robert Covington) were all either second-round selections or undrafted.

The aggressive tanking procedures of former general manager Sam Hinkie should be over, and new GM Bryan Colangelo seems to be making an effort toward building a competent roster. Per ESPN.com’s Marc Stein and Chad Ford, the team is exploring ways it can move Okafor or Noel.

For the Sixers, finding a taker for either one would be huge. The team will likely be adding a blue-chip small forward in next month’s draft (either Ben Simmons or Brandon Ingram), but it will still be in dire need of backcourt help. Teams that can offer a high draft pick or capable guard should pique Philadelphia’s interest.

The Sixers should try hard to move Okafor, who is skilled down low on offense but has a …

continue reading in source www.bleacherreport.com