NBA Latest Trade Rumors for 2016-17 NBA Season: Smith to Sixers, Noel to Raptors, Cousins to Lakers

By Neal A. Lasta, CP Contributor Monday, September 19, 2016

Here are the latest NBA trade rumors for 2016-17 NBA season.

1. J.R. Smith to Philadelphia 76ers

J.R. Smith hasn't signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers yet. In an interview with Adam Caparell of Complex Sports, Smith said, "Financially, you can always go somewhere else. Team moral-wise, there are a few teams that I could see working. There are guys I would like to play with, guys I have played with."

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Smith is looking for the best contract possible, given how much free agents were over paid this summer. With his 3-point shooting prowess, veteran experience and good perimeter defense, he is surely worth more than the $5 million he was paid last season.

If the Cavs can't match the contract Smith desires, which is one things Smith is considering when it comes to playing for the same team again, the Philadelphia Sixers might step in and steal him. After all, they still have $24 million in cap space to spare.

The Sixers could use more depth at the 2-spot, and Smith is more than enough to fill that team weakness.
Aside from the Sixers, other teams that could offer Smith his desired contract include Utah Jazz, Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets.

2. Nerlens Noel to Toronto Raptors

According to the latest rumors, the Sixers has found another possible trade partner for one of its front court players. This time, Nerlens Noel might have a place with the Toronto Raptors.

In exchange, the Raptors will give the Sixers Norman Powell and Cory Joseph. According to ESPN's trade machine, this exchange is valid according to NBA rules. To convince the Sixers, the Raptors might even add a future draft pick in the trading block.

Jonas Valanciunas and Nerlens Noel could work hand in hand as an offense and defense combo, in that order. At least on paper, this trade will increase the Raptors' chances of beating the Cleveland Cavaliers.

3. DeMarcus Cousins to Los Angeles Lakers

Once again, DeMarcus Cousins is involved in another trade rumor, as he has been during the entire off-season. This time, the Los Angeles Lakers is allegedly involved in talks with the Sacramento Kings; Cousins going to the Lakers in exchange for D'Angelo Russell and Julius Randle.

Cousins is a great offensive big man who has a knack of grabbing rebounds. He arguably had his best year last season, averaging 26.9 26.9 points, 11.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game. He even extended his range, averaging 1.1 3 point shots per game on 33% shooting.

Cousins does have some problems though, especially in terms of his attitude on court. He gets a lot of technical for complaining too much when referees whistle against him. His emotional nature on the court might be one of the main reasons why the Kings are willing to trade him.

According to Gil Alcaraz of Fansided, a trade with the Los Angeles Lakers is a win-win situation. In this trade, the Lakers get Cousins in exchange for Lou Williams, Julius Randle and D'Angelo Russell.

With Cousins, the Lakers get a legit big man who could be the team's franchise player. Still, there are other sources saying that the Lakers will never trade away Julius Randle and D'Angelo Russell, so we'll have to see what happens as the season progresses.