Al Horford and Joakim Noah (Photo : Getty Images)
Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah is rumored to be heading in Atlanta to reunite with college teammate Al Horford and the proposed piece in exchange would be Tiago Splitter.
Noah has been linked with trade speculations ever since the season started due to his reduced role under new head coach Fred Hoiberg's rotation.
NBA.com's Sam Smith noted that the Bulls' play style has evolved and Noah is not able to fit in despite insisting that he is healthy to compete on the court.
Smith wrote: "They [Bulls] are trying to evolve into a team that plays freer with more movement and fewer called plays. Plus, a lot of the Bulls offensive action comes out of dribble handoffs on the perimeter."
"The offensive sets are designed to get more three-point shooting, though it hasn't occurred yet as efficiently as hoped."
Smith included Bulls starting center Pau Gasol in his analysis, but Noah seems to be the more troubling piece in the team's roster.
Noah is averaging a career low 3.1 points and 8.1 rebounds per game. He has yet to score double figures this season, partially because of his reduced minutes and ineffectiveness in the Bulls' offensive system.
But despite all the struggles, Noah could still be considered as an effective piece for a contending team, and that could happen if the 2014 Defensive Player of the Year winner is given a new atmosphere with another NBA team.
Bill Simmons, host of his own podcast, proposed a trade scenario via Twitter that will see Noah reunite with college pal Al Horford in exchange for Splitter, a 2016 first round pick, and the Brooklyn Nets' 2017 second rounder.
Trading Noah to the Hawks would give the 6-foot-11 a fresh start into the 2015-2016 NBA season. His reunion with Horford could also bring back his energetic plays on both ends that made him the star that he was in the past few years.
Moreover, Noah does not need to worry about his offense, with the Hawks having plenty of scoring options, although he would fit well to do all the dirty work for Atlanta.
Splitter, on the other hand, has not produced much for the Hawks as he is also averaging career-lows with 5.6 points and 3.1 rebounds. But Splitter would be a more effective backup for Gasol due to his length and versatility.
The ESPN Trade Machine approved a straight swap of Splitter and Noah, but considering how the Hawks have managed a 12-8 record so far, it is unlikely they disrupt team chemistry and trade away their Brazilian big man.
Noah's expiring contract makes him the most movable piece in the Bulls lineup. But until Chicago's front office receives any confirmation from Noah that he really wants out, any trade possibility will remain rumors.
