The Philadelphia 76ers were hoping Nerlens Noel would become a max contract player when they drafted him with the No. 6 overall pick back in 2013, but the 24-year-old big man signed a veteran minimum contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder this offseason. If Noel wanted more money, the offers were apparently out there.
According to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, Noel had bigger offers than the two-year, $3.75 million deal he agreed to with the Thunder. The contract includes a player option for the second year, and Kyler notes that Noel believes in the situation in OKC and is betting on himself.
Was told Nerlens had somewhat better financial offers but his camp wanted him in a very structured team dynamic and when Thunder became an options money took a back seat https://t.co/SmyLEWHmD6
— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) July 15, 2018
Took less to bet on himself and the situation. He has a Player Option and is banking on a resurgence in OKC with their style of play. https://t.co/kuCwZf88gL
— Steve Kyler (@stevekylerNBA) July 15, 2018
In other words, Noel is taking a similar approach to the one DeMarcus Cousins took when he agreed to sign a one-year deal with the Golden State Warriors. Both players are hoping they will have successful seasons on quality teams and be able to sign bigger free agent deals next summer.
Noel averaged just 15.7 minutes with the Dallas Mavericks last season, and his career has not taken off due to injuries and some off-court issues. If he can prove himself with the Thunder, there will be plenty of teams willing to give him big money because of his age and potential.
