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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Dec 19, 2015; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) drives to the basket against Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

2. New York Knicks

Ever since LeBron came back home to “win one for the Land”, every NBA free agency conspiracy theorist has speculated over various different players returning to play for their hometown team. Well, add this to the list because it just so happens that Joakim Noah was born in and grew up in New York City. Hey, that’s where the Knicks play!

More realistically speaking, after trading center Robin Lopez (not Brook Lopez) to the Chicago Bulls for point guard Derrick Rose, this free agent signing makes perfect sense for multiple reasons. First, by dealing Lopez, the Knicks are now in need of a center as they have no desire to play the young Kristaps Porzingis at the “5” and subject him to the physical pounding this early in his development.

Secondly, Noah and Rose were teammates for eight seasons in Chicago and during his introductory press conference with the Knicks, Rose made his feeling known saying, “Oh, I want him. He knows that. I think his family knows that. Even last night, I was talking to him about it.”

Lastly, according to Howard Beck of Bleacher Report, team president Phil Jackson has serious interest in signing Noah once free agency begins.

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

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