The New York Knicks continue to make their moves in the offseason via trades or free agency.
They seem to have shrugged their shoulders and moved on from being excluded in the initial meetings for Kevin Durant (despite the venue reportedly in New York). Team president Phil Jackson may be taking the right attitude which was similar to what he did last season-take the best players he can get and not worry about who didn't sign with them.
A report from Marc Berman of the NY Post has the Knicks looking for a replacement for Robin Lopez, and they may execute a "practical trade" by pursuing Joakim Noah.
"The Knicks are desperate for a starting center - their top target is Joakim Noah - and a starting shooting guard after the Derrick Rose blockbuster. They are also desperate to fill out a 15-man roster within the confines of the salary cap. They have just five players under contract," Berman wrote.
Noah has long been rumored to be a New York target even before Rose ever was. Prior to the trade deadline, when Noah was having problems assimilating with new coach Fred Hoiberg, pundits saw Noah as a great fit for the Triangle offense.
Now that the Knicks have a new coach in Jeff Hornacek, who's not a Triangle disciple, the team could still use a center whose forte is defense and passing. Noah would be a great complement to Kristaps Porzingis and help toward his development. Derrick Rose also wants him, as he shared with Sportsnet New York.
"Oh, I want him, he knows that. I think his family knows that" Rose said of Noah, who is a New York City native even if he's French. "I think everyone knows that. Even last night I was talking to him about it and it's the same way. He's in a position where he got injured twice last year. It was his contract year and he's got to figure what he wants to do so I can't get mad with the decision he will make soon or whenever he makes it. He knows that I would want to play with him."
With Rose and the hometown factor in his favor, it seems like New York is the best landing spot for Joakim Noah.