NBA Trade Rumors: Nerlens Noel and Danilo Gallinari could be traded to the Portland Trail Blazers

What's the rumor?

The Portland Trail Blazers have made an awful start to the 2019-20 season, and the team has already bought in Carmelo Anthony as they look to turn their season around. However, further moves in the coming months are likely, and Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report believes that the team could acquire Nerlens Noel and Danilo Gallinari in return for Hassan Whiteside, Gary Trent Jr., and a future first-round pick:

But making a bold, aggressive move for Danilo Gallinari might do the trick. As long as he's healthy, the combo forward has been a steady source of scoring, spacing and a pinch of secondary playmaking... If he (Noel) approved this deal, which couldn't go down before Dec. 15, he could help launch the Blazers into conference contention.

In case you didn't know...

After spending his early years in the NBA as a starter, Noel has taken on a reserve role with the Thunder as he looks to rebuild his career following injuries. Since heading to Oklahoma City last summer, Noel has played 92 times, averaging 7.5 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.8 blocks in 18.4 minutes.

Meanwhile, Gallinari joined OKC earlier this summer as part of the trade that sent Paul George to Los Angeles. In 16 appearances for the Thunder, the Italian has averaged 18.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.9 assists.

The heart of the matter

Gallinari and Noel are both players that could help a contending team, and the Trail Blazers would benefit immensely by adding the experienced duo. However, with Whiteside's contract expiring next summer, it remains to be seen if the Thunder would be willing to accept a trade offer that essentially gives them Trent Jr. and a future first-round pick.

What's next?

As luck would have it, the Thunder will take on the Trail Blazers tomorrow night - a matchup that will see Carmelo Anthony face his former team for just the second time.