NBA Rumors: Should Joakim Noah agree to a buyout with the New York Knicks, several contenders would be willing to jump at signing him
I think the New York Knicks have made it pretty clear, Joakim Noah will not play another game in their uniform. Now, though, it gets tricky.
The NBA trade deadline has come and gone, and the Knicks failed to move Noah. Because of his outrageous contract, it was an almost impossible task anyways. And if they think they’ll be able to move him this summer, good luck.
Even after this season, Noah is owed $18 and $19 million, respectively, over the next two seasons. Maybe the Knicks could move him during the final year of his contract, but to do it with two years remaining is laughable.
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It’s becoming clearer and clearer that this will likely end with a buyout of Noah, if both are serious about moving on from each other. And if the two sides come to such an agreement, there will reportedly be a decent market for Noah.
Per Frank Isola of the New York Daily News, the Golden State Warriors, Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder are three of the teams expected to be interested in signing Noah for the stretch run.
"[via New York Daily News]According to league sources, several playoff-bound teams are closely monitoring Noah’s situation in New York and would push to sign him if Noah becomes a free agent.The Warriors, Timberwolves and Thunder are three such teams that believe Noah, who turns 33 on Sunday, could bolster their respective rosters for the postseason."
Noah has only played in seven games this season and in only 46 last years and there’s no question that he’s a shell of the player that he was when he was the defensive anchor for the Chicago Bulls.
However, he’s the type of veteran player, when he’s engaged, that could help any team.
The connection between the Wolves and Noah is pretty clear. Noah used to play with Thibs in Chicago. That’s not surprising that Minnesota would be interested. The Warriors don’t necessarily need any more help, but acquiring depth is the name of the game at this point in the season for contenders.
It’s no surprise that they would be interested.
The Thunder could actually use a backup center to Steven Adams, and that’s a role that, when healthy, Joakim Noah can fill. Plus, he’s the type of warrior that you want in any potential playoff matchup against the Warriors (no pun intended).
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This will come down to whether the Knicks and Noah can come to a buyout agreement, though. And that’s no forgone conclusion.