2018 NBA Free Agency: Nerlens Noel signs with Thunder, according to report

UPDATE: So much for the Thunder appearing the least logical destination for Nerlens Noel. It looks like he’s headed to Oklahoma City.

There’s no word on how much Noel is getting, but Shams Charania of Yahoo is reporting it’s a two-year deal with a player option on the second year.

The original post is below.

The Wizards are reportedly on Nerlens Noel’s short list of teams he’s looking to sign with in free agency, but they face some stiff competition, according to Shams Charania of Yahoo.

The Wizards would be an ideal spot for Noel to rehabilitate his career after disastrous stints with the 76ers and Mavericks. Washington needs an athletic center, and Noel fits the billing better than most players out there, especially with what little Washington has to offer to free agents this summer.

That said, the other teams on this list could be appealing to Noel as well. He could potentially start at center for the Lakers, depending on how they fill out their roster. If so, the Lakers would have a much better pitch, as a team with title aspirations in a more lucrative market. He’s also a client of Klutch Sports Group, just like LeBron James and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who both signed with the Lakers on Sunday.

The Pelicans could be an interesting fit as well, depending on how free agency shakes out. Noel could step in as the starting center if DeMarcus Cousins leaves and flourish playing alongside Anthony Davis, who knows how to play well in two-big system.

The only team on the list that doesn’t seem to make much sense is the Thunder. They’re already pretty well set at center with Steven Adams, as well as Jerami Grant, who can play small ball 5 in a pinch.

The thing to keep in mind here is every team on Noel’s list has also been connected to DeMarcus Cousins, except for the Thunder. We might have to wait on Cousins’ situation to get settled before Noel can make his choice.