Report: 76ers' Noel open to trade, Celtics interested

Nerlens Noel may be the odd man out in the Philadelphia 76ers' frontcourt.

While he hasn't asked to be moved, Noel is "very open" to a trade, league sources told CSNNE's A. Sherrod Blakely.

Another source told Blakely the Boston Celtics have strong interest in the Sixers big man, who has gone as far as removing the Philadelphia skyline from his Twitter profile picture, and expressing his love for Boston, his hometown.

This isn't the first time the Celtics have been linked to Noel, as Philadelphia reportedly attempted to trade one of Noel or Jahlil Okafor for the No. 3 selection in this year's draft. Boston ultimately declined the Sixers' offer, and chose Jaylen Brown with the pick instead.

President and general manager Bryan Colangelo stated earlier this summer that's he uncomfortable going into this season with the trio of Noel, Okafor, and Joel Embiid, so it appears likely that a deal will be struck in the coming months.

Celtics GM Danny Ainge has a number of picks and young assets at his disposal, and the Celtics would certainly welcome Noel's athleticism and shot-blocking abilities.