Joakim Noah (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The NBA Trade Rumors host a familiar face who may find a different destination.
The Charlotte Hornets has emerged as a surprise team in the Eastern Conference and may choose to make trades to boost their playoff chances.
When Michael Kidd-Gilchrist got injured and was declared out for the season (not including the playoffs) the Hornets were dismissed as MKG is one of their vital cogs.
However, the Hornets emerged as a legitimate playoff contender as they are currently 6th in the tight Eastern Conference with just 2.5 games behind the no.1 Cleveland Cavaliers.
The team also gained respect by being ranked no.7 in the latest edition of ESPN's Power Rankings. They were placed above teams like the Chicago Bulls, LA Clippers and Atlanta Hawks who were mentioned as possible title contenders. This is behind the superb play of newcomer Nicolas Batum, Kemba Walker and Jeremy Lamb.
Speaking of the Chicago Bulls, the Hornets fans on their site, At The Hive have proposed a trade for Joakim Noah, the Bulls' center who is on an expiring contract.
It was predicted early in the season that Charlotte may make trades for their future because this season is "lost." But nothing could be further from the truth as Michael Jordan's team is right in the thick of the playoff picture and to that end, a trade for Noah is necessary.
Their current center, post-specialist Al Jefferson is serving a five-game suspension but once he returns, he can be traded to the Bulls for Noah straight up as their contracts match, and both are expiring.
The Hornets fans covet Noah's rebounding and rim protection, not to mention he is also one of the better passing big men in the league. Noah's game has admittedly deteriorated and may not fit well with Bulls' new coach Fred Hoiberg.
The Bulls may need to ask for more assets and the Hornets may gamble on giving them a first or second round pick.
