NBA Free Agency: 5 best fits for Joakim Noah

Apr 16, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) looks to pass the ball back inbound against the Boston Celtics during the first half in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 23, 2015; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) and Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) fight for position during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Dallas Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks Owner Mark Cuban is often an active, if not aggressive, participant in NBA free agency, focusing on reloading rather than rebuilding. With only $30.5 million dedicated to the 2016-17 season and the Mavericks unlikely to re-sign forward Chandler Parsons who seeking a max contract, the team will have the financial flexibility to acquire almost any free agent.

After the embarrassing debacle of missing out on DeAndre Jordan last summer, Cuban and the Mavs still have a glaring hole at the center position. With only Salah Mejri and JaVale McGee on the roster, Dallas drafted Purdue big man A.J. Hammons in the second round of the 2016 NBA draft.

With this selection not serving as a sufficient or quick fix, the Mavs could be interested in the services of Joakim Noah. Along with need and cap room to sign him, the defensive Noah would fit nicely along the offensively gifted Dirk Nowitzki in the frontcourt.

In their 2016 first-round playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Mavericks’ defense allowed the Thunder to score over 100 points and shoot 51.6% from the field in each of their four defeats, losing the series in five games.

Cuban will need to sign a high level defender such as Joakim Noah if he wants to see the Mavs to advance out of the first round next year.

Next: 3. New Orleans Pelicans

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