Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah has admitted his frustration about struggling to play good basketball this season under new coach Fred Hoiberg's system, which apparently adds fuel to the fire of rumors that the former Defensive of the Year winner could be traded before the deadline.
Noah was considered to be one of the best big men in the NBA in the past two years, but last season was a major setback for him as injuries strictly limited his output for the Bulls.
Noah seems to be ready to play for the Hoiberg after hard workin in the offseason, but he was shifted to a reserve role coming off the bench, which has greatly contributed to his struggles this year.
"I'm frustrated with the way I'm playing," Noah said, reports the Chicago Tribune.
"I have to be more aggressive when I get my opportunities. There are less. But I still have to figure it out."
There are indeed less opportunities for Noah in the Bulls' new offensive scheme as Hoiberg appears to be favoring the European tandem of Pau Gasol and Nikola Mirotic.
Noah is playing the last year of his contract, making him tradable. But according to CBS Sports, his value right now as a trade asset is an "all-time low," considering how he underperforms during game days.
In Noah's first 12 games with the Bulls this season, he only averaged a career-low 2.5 points and 8.4 rebounds a game, while only playing for 20.5 minutes. He did not record a point in six of the Bulls' first 12 games, including their 106-94 loss against the Golden State Warriors.
According to SB Nation's Mavs Money Ball, the Dallas Mavericks are a good fit for Noah albeit on a low cost.
The report disclosed that ESPN's David Thorpe discussed in Zach Lowe's podcast about the Mavs needing interior defense behind an aging Dirk Nowitzki to solidify the team's chances of a playoff spot.
A deal could make sense for both parties as the report noted, considering Mark Cuban's "history of taking chances on veteran stars past their prime."
However, it would be hard to see a trade between the Mavs and the Bulls developing because of the pieces that would take to get Noah shipped to Dallas.
Noah does not seem he would get quality minutes anytime soon. If this kind of trend continues for him, he may find himself in another team by midseason.