Tom Thibodeau And The Timberwolves Are Reportedly Targeting Joakim Noah In Free Agency

Getty Image

Joakim Noah is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, but unfortunately for him, his market is not what it once was. Noah came off the bench for the Bulls this season in the 29 games he was able to play and had the worst statistical season of his career, averaging only 4.3 points and shooting under 40 percent from the floor. Noah was never a serious offensive threat to begin with, and his defense remained solid this year. However, his putrid play on the offensive end made it hard to justify giving him big minutes.

When fully healthy, though, Noah has proven in the past that he is a more than capable player, as he finished fourth in the MVP voting just three seasons ago and has two All-Star game selections on his resumé. At 31, you would think there’s still a chance that Noah could revive his career, but it remains to be seen where he will get his next opportunity.

Although there were reports in April that the Bulls were looking to resign Noah over Pau Gasol, it now looks like he will be searching for a new home come October, too, as he said goodbye to his Bulls teammates last month.

Noah had his most productive seasons in the league under head coach Tom Thibodeau, so it’s perhaps unsurprising that the ex-Chicago coach is looking to reunite with his former starting center in Minnesota, according to Sporting News. The Timberwolves obviously already have one big man they’re committed to in Karl-Anthony Towns, but it remains to be seen how Thibodeau will round out his rotation in the frontcourt.

Gorgui Dieng figures to play a big role for Minnesota next season, and sophomore sharpshooter Nemanja Bjelica deserves a long look from the coaching staff, too. The contributions of Kevin Garnett – if he puts off retirement for one more season – will mostly come from the bench, while former starter Nikola Pekovic is both perpetually injured and a less-than-ideal fit for Thibodeau’s defensive scheme.

Regardless, if Noah elects to sign with the Timberwolves, one figures at least one incumbent might have to go.

(Via Sporting News)

×