Why are people so enamored with Noel?
A big that shoots 39.6% on 2PA is impressive?
Wait, but he can block shots right? He can rebound?
8.8 RPG isn't impressive when you take into account, other than Okafor, that entire team is bench warmers or D-Leaguers.
He can't even average over 2 BPG, and his defense is actually by the metrics considered slightly above average, (I haven't checked it recently, so not 100% sure). You don't have to be a genius to see how good Smart is on defense. I've seen it first hand, and now he neutralized Harden and Westbrook, and how much hustle plays he's done.
I wouldn't even trade Smart for Noel straight up.
I think Smart is going to be a better player than Noel.
Also people compare Noel to Chandler, but Chandler was by all means the late bloomer. If the comparison is actually close to the truth, you guys want to wait a few years for Noel to break out?
Just see if he opts out, and try to sign him in FA. No point in giving up assets for a center that is so limited offensively.