Raptors have reportedly expressed interest in Nerlens Noel

Philadelphia 76ers v New York Knicks

If the Philadelphia 76ers are to trade Nerlens Noel this season, the Toronto Raptors are interested.

ESPN’s Marc Stein reports that the Raptors have expressed interest in Noel in the wake of losing Jared Sullinger to injury, but sources say Toronto’s initial preference is to give more minutes to various young players on the team.

Sullinger suffered an injury to his foot in the Raptors’ preseason opener last month and is expected to miss up to three months as he recovers from foot surgery. Meanwhile, Noel had minor knee surgery last month and is looking at a three-to-five week absence.

Noel, 22, averaged 11.1 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.5 blocks over 67 games in 2015-16. He is the defensive player Toronto is missing after losing Bismack Biyombo in free agency. First-rounders Pascal Siakam and Jakob Poeltl have played well in Sullinger’s absence, but Noel would be a solid addition to a team in need of a rim protector and a decent scorer.

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