Joakim Noah Has Been ‘Exiled’ From The Knicks Until They Can Trade Him

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Joakim Noah is one of the last remaining vestiges from Phil Jackson’s fiery reign over the Knicks. The former president and GM inexplicably awarded the perpetually-injured center a massive four-year, $72 million contract two summers ago, a deal that to absolutely nobody’s surprise has come back to haunt them now that they’ve jump-started a rebuild around Latvian wunderkind Kristaps Porzingis.

Noah’s simmering frustration around his tumultuous tenure in New York – he’s appeared in just 53 games due to injures and suspensions – reached a boiling point earlier this week when reports emerged that he had a heated confrontation with head coach Jeff Hornacek at practice.

Noah was reportedly upset about his lack of playing time in a game in which he was told to “be ready” due to injuries. Now, it appears the organization has opted to keep him away from the team while trying to find a suitable trade partner before the trade deadline next Thursday.

The problem, of course, is that it’s almost impossible to imagine who might be willing to take his contract. The Knicks would likely have to sweeten the pot significantly, which would entail throwing in some future assets or a young rotation player. The only other option is a buyout, which Noah is likely not looking to give up much of his future salary to facilitate.

They’ll have to decide whether it’s worth the price or face the prospect of hanging on to a disgruntled former star who continues to gobble up sorely-needed cap space as the franchise attempts to keep one eye toward the future.

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