Noel has a player option for $1.988M next season, which he will certainly decline, as the minimum he could sign for this summer is $2.025M. The only reason he wouldn't decline his option is if he doesn't think he can even get a fully-guaranteed minimum contract.

 

I'm still a believer in Noel's athleticism allowing him to be a valuable lob threat and rim protector. He even theoretically should be able to stick with guards after switching. Noel hasn't been able to use his athleticism to actually become a great defender, and his slight build does not help in when trying to guard stronger bigs.

 

However, I still think he can be a good defender, and that some team will give him a decent contract. It's also a positive sign for Noel that we have not heard any complaints or bad behavior, as his reputation certainly didn't help him in free agency last summer.