Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah. (Photo : Getty Images)
The New York Knicks suddenly become the favorite to land incoming free-agent center Joakim Noah after acquiring former MVP playmaker Derrick Rose in a massive blockbuster trade with the Bulls hours before the NBA Draft on Thursday.
Noah, who played only 29 games last season after sustaining a dislocated shoulder, might follow Rose in jumping ship to the Knicks, a move that could give the franchise another former All-NBA and All-Defensive first teamer.
Even before the Bulls traded Rose, the 31-year old Noah was already expressing his discontent with the moves done by the team executive over the last two years, including the firing of Tom Thibodeau and hiring of college head coach Fred Hoiberg.
Noah also admitted that he was upset with the role he had last season, when Hoiberg decided to put him on the bench as reliever for starting center Pau Gasol. Many believed Noah already played his last game with the Bulls on the day he injured his shoulder.
The Minnesota Timberwolves, who recently signed Thibodeau, as its head coach and general manager had been viewed as the frontrunner for Noah until the Knicks acquired his locker room buddy Rose, Justin Holiday and a pick from the Bulls.
The Knicks, who already boasts Rose, All-Star winger Carmelo Anthony and promising big man Kristap Porzingis, suddenly becomes an enticing landing spot for the grizzled veteran in Noah, who was born and raised in New York.
With Brook Lopez now in Chicago, the Knicks greatly needs a defensive anchor in the middle, and Noah fits the billing perfectly having been named Defensive Player of the Year three years ago.
Over 9 seasons with the Bulls, Noah averaged 9.3 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game, making him one of the franchise's most celebrated centers.
