Knicks Rumors: New York exploring ways to part with Joakim Noah
Following a heated confrontation between Joakim Noah and Jeff Hornacek, the New York Knicks are doing everything in their power to part with the center.
Joakim Noah and the New York Knicks are in the midst of a two-year saga that both sides would prefer to forget. Since Noah signed a four-year contract worth $72 million in 2016, his tenure has been marred by injuries and a suspension.
In the midst of a season during which Noah has appeared in just seven of a possible 50 games, it appears as though the already unstable situation has taken a turn for the worst.
Reports have surfaced in recent weeks that Noah is taking time away from the team for, “Personal reasons.” We’ve been left to speculate what’s transpired, but the working theory is that his virtual removal from the rotation has contributed to the situation at hand.
According to Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports, the reason for Noah’s departure was a heated confrontation with head coach Jeff Hornacek.
Sources: After heated verbal exchange in practice between Joakim Noah and coach Jeff Hornacek last week, the Knicks are exploring avenues to part with Noah. He has two years remaining on the four-year, $72M deal he signed in 2016.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 29, 2018
Per Charania, the Knicks are unsure if Noah will rejoin the team, and are considering the possibility of buying him out if it’s unable to trade him.
"There’s uncertainty about whether Noah will rejoin the team in New York this week, league sources said. Sources said the Knicks have yet to broach a contract buyout with Noah, but that is an avenue the franchise could pursue should their aggressive trade searches fail."
The hurdle: Noah isn’t keen on giving back money to the Knicks in potential buyout discussions.
Sources tell @wojespn and me: Joakim Noah left the team late last week after a lengthy disconnect with Jeff Horancek and the coaching staff. Noah has no inclination to give back significant money on his contact in any buyout.
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) January 29, 2018
That’s an unfortunate turn of events, but the general expectation has long been that New York would find a way to part ways with its embattled and high-paid center.
Noah is one of the most decorated centers of his generation. He’s a former Defensive Player of the Year, All-NBA First Team honoree, two-time All-Star, and three-time All-Defense selectee who helped lead the Chicago Bulls to the 2011 Eastern Conference Finals.
Noah has fallen from grace in New York, however, and is now being excluded from a rotation that features Enes Kanter and Kyle O’Quinn in center.
Noah was still believed to be a positive influence in the locker room, but his exchange with Hornacek implies that said ship has sailed.
Noah still has value to an NBA team as an elite rebounder and gifted passer who’s all but guaranteed to compete on defense. His contract is a burden, however, and at 32 years of age, he no longer fits the Knicks’ rebuilding timeline.
New York will attempt to find a suitor for a potential trade, but the most likely outcome is that he will be bought out.
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After just under two years of turmoil, Joakim Noah and the New York Knicks could be headed towards and ugly split.