NBA Trade Rumors: Available Stars Knicks Must Pursue

Dec 2, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) reacts after dunking the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports

Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls

Position: Center

Age: 30

Slash Line: .407/.000/.488

Season Averages: 22.3 MPG, 4.5 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 2.9 ORPG, 3.8 APG, 1.1 BPG

The Chicago Bulls are reportedly in the midst of a fire sale. Not only is Pau Gasol allegedly being shopped around, but Chicago is willing to part ways with another decorated big man.

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports, the Bulls are willing to trade 2013 Defensive Player of the Year Joakim Noah for perimeter help.

"Executives around the league, and people have told me, that the Bulls are very determined to add a talented wing player..and I’ve been told that the Bulls are open to, whether it’s Joakim Noah, Taj Gibson, maybe not both of them, but either of them, if there’s a deal out there that they can bring in the best possible wing player available, they’re open to it. That’s a direction they’re going to go in."

Noah is in the final year of his current contract, which is reason enough to gamble on his services. The 30-year-old is making $13.4 million, which could make a trade difficult to execute, but it’s not an impossibility.

If New York can find a third trade partner, parting ways with Robin Lopez could land Noah in New York.

If Lopez proves to be unmovable—or untouchable, depending on New York’s long-term vision—Arron Afflalo would need to be packaged with another player, thus resulting in the Knicks limiting their return.

Noah is averaging 14.3 rebounds, 4.7 offensive boards, and 6.2 assists per 48 minutes. New York is No. 13 in offensive rebounding and No. 16 in assists.

As the number show, Noah would bring a defensive intensity and offensive proficiency as a facilitator that the Knicks are desperate for.

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