The drama never seems to end when it comes to the NBA, especially around the upcoming trade deadline. A couple days ago, center Joakim Noah got into a heated confrontation with New York Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek on January 24. Apparently, the confrontation nearly became violent, and Noah has been sent to be away from the team. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Noah won't be required to return to the team prior to the NBA's February 8th trade deadline.
Article Continues BelowAs the New York Knicks discuss possible trade scenarios, exiled center Joakim Noah won’t be required to return to the team prior to the Feb. 8 trade deadline, league sources tell ESPN. Noah was sent away after a practice confrontation with Jeff Hornacek on Jan. 24.
This is an interesting situation. If the Knicks sent Noah away until the trade deadline, it means that the team most likely wants to trade him. To do this, the Knicks will have to clearly beat the odds. To begin, Noah signed a four-year $72 million contract in 2016. No NBA team is likely to trade for that bad contract, so the Knicks are in a tight position. However, if the situation calls for the Knicks to expel Noah for the team, he obviously has to go. In any case, this report could have severe implications for the team if Noah isn't moved by the deadline.
Noah clearly has a toxic relationship with Hornacek and has fallen completely out of the Knicks' lineup. If the Knicks don't move him soon, they will essentially be paying for a player that isn't playing for the team. Hopefully, some team can relieve the Knicks of Noah, and both parties can move on.