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NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers, Mavs discussed a Julius Randle-Nerlens Noel swap

By Michael Saenz

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 21: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half of a game against the Chicago Bulls at Staples Center on November 21, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 21: Julius Randle #30 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on during the first half of a game against the Chicago Bulls at Staples Center on November 21, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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NBA Trade Rumors: The Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers reportedly discussed a Julius Randle for Nerlens Noel swap

As the NBA Trade Deadline draws close, there are a number of players that are worth keeping an eye on heading into February. Two of those players happen to be Julius Randle and Nerlens Noel.

Noel can’t seem to break Rick Carlisle’s regular rotation, for whatever reason, and he becomes an unrestricted free agent after the season. Randle could be extended a qualifying offer after the  season, but it’s difficult seeing LA go down that route if they plan on being big players in free agency.

The expectation is that both of these young prospects will be free agents, of some sort, after the season.

Interestingly, during ESPN’s Full Court Press Friday night, Adrian Wojnarowski mentioned that the Lakers and Mavericks had “initial talks” revolving Julius Randle and Nerlens Noel.

"[ESPN, H/T BR]The Lakers did have some initial talks about Julius Randle was with Dallas…Dallas is a team now that is trying to accumulate some young assets…Noel would actually have to agree to a trade to LA."

Dallas would honestly sign up for anything in exchange for Noel, I’d assume. With the way they’ve handled him this season, it’d be difficult to see the Mavs extending him any type of contract this summer.

Randle is a young forward that has some talent, but still needs some fine tuning. And a change of scenery could be exactly what he needs. Noel could help LA, whether they land a big fish in free agency or not.

Noel is a talented big that actually fits where the NBA is going. He’s long, blocks shots and doesn’t need the ball on the offensive end to be effective. He can fit right in on any team. Plus, if LA fails to land a say LeBron James or Paul George, he still fits with the young core in LA. Noel is only 23 and his best basketball is likely still ahead of him.

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