The New York Knicks continue their revamp and the next two transactions could be on two former Chicago Bulls players – Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol. If successful, that would make it three-in-a-row for Phil Jackson who had earlier acquired Derrick Rose via trade.
Of the two, Joakim Noah is the one making a lot of noise. Following a turbulent season with the Chicago Bulls under new head coach Fred Hoiberg, Noah saw an abrupt end to his stint with a season-ending shoulder injury.
Noah is reportedly close to signing a four-year $72 million deal with the Knicks according to ESPN. Noah and the Knicks are set to meet up in Orlando, Florida and both parties could end up verbally agreeing to the deal. No NBA contract can be signed until July 7.
The Knicks could finally land the center they need following the departure of Robin Lopez who was involved in the Derrick Rose swap. It would also fulfill Rose’s wish to have his former teammate by his side. Both players played seven seasons together in Chicago according to Sports Illustrated and a special bond is obviously in place.
For Pau Gasol, a possible coming to New York allows him to reunite with his former coach, Phil Jackson. Gasol played under Jackson from 2007 to 2011 and is pretty much familiar with the Triangle’ offense Jackson wants in place.
While the reunions seem possible, it may all boil down to the remaining cap space and team needs that the Knicks would need. Should the Joakim Noah signing go down, the Knicks will next focus on acquiring a shooting guard.
Among the names that surfaced include Austin Rivers, Evan Turner, Eric Gordon and Courtney Lee. Then there is that possible meeting with Kevin Durant who the Knicks could try to woo as well.
Between Noah and Gasol, the Spaniard is the one with low chances of landing in Gotham given those scenarios. But according to CBS Sports, Gasol is being seriously eyed by several other teams as well.
That list includes the Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs and the Portland Trail Blazers. Of those teams, the Spurs are the one reportedly in hot pursuit since they have been longing to get the 35-year-old all-star, according to The Vertical.
If the Knicks find a way to get Noah and Gasol on board, an old video of the two working together could be a glimpse of things to come.