Underrated bigs for the Chicago Bulls to pursue at the last minute: Nerlens Noel
Another potential undervalued big man that could be a target for the Bulls on deadline day given what they’re looking to add to the frontcourt unit is the lengthy New York Knicks center, Nerlens Noel. It would certainly provide a lot more versatility and rim protection to the Bulls frontcourt unit if they were able to pull off a deal with the Knicks to land Noel on deadline day.
There look to be a few players that the Knicks are willing to move on deadline day. Veteran point guard Kemba Walker, wing Evan Fournier, and Noel are just a few potential names to watch that could be moved on Feb. 10. It even sounds like the Knicks are at least willing to hear out offers on star power forward Julius Randle.
Moreover, while there’s no guarantee that the Knicks are going to trade Noel on deadline day, this certainly fits the bill of what the Bulls are likely looking for in terms of frontcourt help. Noel could make an immediate impact for the Bulls’ frontcourt in the second unit off the bench. He would add a lot of rim protection and rebounding ability in an area of the rotation where the Bulls really need it.
It also likely wouldn’t cost the Bulls all that much to nab a big man like Noel on deadline day. What makes any trade deadline target such as Noel more interesting in relation to the Bulls is the fact that he probably won’t be available on the buyout market. If the Bulls wanted to get an impact big man like Noel this season, it would probably have to come on deadline day.