The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Oklahoma City Thunder have expressed interest in acquiring center Joakim Noah, in case he reaches a buyout with the New York Knicks, according to ESPN's Ian Begley. Noah hasn't been open to a buyout situation, nor have the Knicks at this moment.
The Knicks and Noah have experienced a major divide after the latter has felt inadequately used by the team, with Jeff Hornacek's fake-promise to play him substantial minutes against the Golden State Warriors last month being the last straw.
Noah has taken a “personal leave” from the team, given his lack of playing time after coming back from a 20-game suspension for banned substances early in the season.
The Hells Kitchen native has been slowed by injuries since his last season with the Chicago Bulls in 2015-16 and carried those injuries into his stint with the Knicks. The Wolves and Thunder are looking to add defense during this trade deadline and while Noah can prove a serviceable asset, it is impossible for them to consider his services with nearly three years left on his four-year, $72 million deal.
If the Knicks and Noah were to reach a buyout, it's still unlikely for Noah to find a fit as a starter with any contender, now reduced to a backup role after various ailments have diminished his stock and stature within the league.
Once a Defensive Player of the Year back in the 2013-14 season, Noah can still rebound, box out, block shots and provide energy off the bench, just not nearly as effusively as he did in his heyday with the Bulls.
Follow Us
Subscribe
