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.

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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.