Joakim Noah (Photo : Getty Images)
Joakim Noah could be heading to either of the teams in New York, according to the latest NBA rumors.
Noah is all set in exploring free agency this summer after reportedly telling teammates he is done with the Chicago Bulls following a disappointing season with the team that saw him play off the bench, registering only 21.9 minutes in 29 appearances. With Noah looking at possible teams to join in the market, the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets could be the top destinations for the former Defensive Player of the Year.
Bleacher Report's Howard Beck claimed that if Noah leaves the Bulls, the Knicks are expected to make a strong run at signing the 31-year-old center, who has "roots" in New York.
LRT: If Noah's leaving Bulls, expect Knicks to make a strong pitch. Phil Jackson and Noah have a rapport. And Noah has NY roots.
— Howard Beck (@HowardBeck) May 25, 2016
Noah, who averaged a career-low 4.3 points in the past season, could play as backup center for the Knicks, who already have Kristaps Porzingis and Robin Lopez manning the five spot. Adding Noah would give energy to the Knicks' second unit and would give the team a locker room presence.
Meanwhile, another the Brooklyn Nets could also be the other top landing spot for Noah, having played high school basketball at Poly Prep in Brooklyn. According to Manan Modi of Sports Illustrated's Fansided, Nets general manager Sean Marks and new coach Kenny Atkinson could offer Noah the "honesty and culture" he seeks on a team.
"Atkinson, as recently seen in his introductory press conference, discussed his childhood in New York - this can possibly be a bridge used to connect Noah to the Nets," Modi noted.
"If Sean Marks is attempting to implement elements of San Antonio's culture along with his other, previous experiences, the lesson learned is that age doesn't matter. Rather, it is about team chemistry, trust, and collective interest - and age should not impede those factors in any way."
The Nets already have Brook Lopez starting at the center position and Thaddeus Young at the four spot, which makes it highly unlikely for Noah to earn back his starting role. But Noah's defensive intensity and passing skills should make him a key player Brooklyn covets and earn him plenty of minutes off the bench.
But as intriguing as it may sound to see Noah playing in either of the New York-based teams, his history of injuries should still be a factor for teams like the Knicks and Nets to be cautious in signing the long-time Bulls center.
Noah successfully underwent a shoulder surgery that repaired a dislocated shoulder suffered in January against the Dallas Mavericks. According to reports, Noah is expected to be out for four to six months, which makes him in full fitness ahead of the 2016-2017 season.
However, it is unlikely Noah would make an immediate impact coming off a major setback, with the uncertainty of remaining healthy in most parts of the season, considering the series of injuries he suffered in recent years.
The Knicks and Nets are expected to have ample cap space to sign top free agents this summer. With Noah seemingly more focused on finding the right team for him than earning more money, Brooklyn and New York could be the frontrunners to land Noah.
