As Joakim Noah continues to struggle while coming off the bench, the Bulls seem to be setting the stage for Noah’s departure.
The big man is set to become an unrestricted free agent next summer, so it might be in Chicago’s best interest to trade Noah before he’s allowed to walk.
In an interview with ESPN’s Zach Lowe, NBA insider David Thorpe suggested that Dallas is a potential landing spot if the Bulls do decide to move the two-time All-Star.
“Joakim Noah is sitting there in the last year of his contract,” Thorpe said. “I think his go-to would be Dallas, who’s so desperate for that kind of energy again on defense. We know Rick Carlisle is so good at creating things and Joakim’s such a great ball handler. I think he would be amazing there.”
Thorpe went on to suggest that a trade would be the best move for both sides, saying Noah is underutilized in Chicago.
“A year ago he was the best center in the league,” he said. “You max those guys out. Here he is coming off the bench, he doesn’t score.”
Noah is averaging a career-low 2.5 points and 20 minutes per game. The 2014 All-NBA first teamer had previously averaged at least seven points per game every season of his career.
Just two years ago, Noah finished fourth in MVP voting and was named Defensive Player of the Year. He recently expressed frustration over what he called a lack of opportunities.
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Stats via Basketball-reference.com.
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