The New York Knicks and Joakim Noah mutually agreed that Noah will not return from the team until further notice, the team announced. Knicks coach Jeff Hornacek and Joakim Noah had their fallout and Noah has been away from the team since Jan. 25.
The Knicks and Noah’s representation discussed his status with the team on Wednesday and agreed that Noah would be off the team until the Knicks can figure out any trade possibilities before the deadline.
Noah and Hornacek had a pretty ugly dispute during a practice and reportedly had to have been separated from each other, according to ESPN. It had all started after Noah got pulled out of a game early versus the Warriors. Due to injuries to Knicks big men Kyle O’Quinn and Kristaps Porzingis being out with injuries, Noah had expected to have seen more playing time on the court, however, it wasn’t the case. This then led to a back and forth argument between Hornacek and Noah the following practice that resulted in him getting sent home.
Noah’s recent interactions with Hornacek were bad enough to lead to his leaving the team and it stands to reason that the Knicks might not want Noah back around a club that is young and trying to build a positive culture.
Moving Noah’s massive contract might be a tough task for the New York Knicks, as he was dealt a 4 year 72 million dollar contract in July 2016. The Knicks could work out a buyout with Noah as well in the near future and pay him 7.5 million dollars over the next 5 seasons.
During this season, Joakim Noah has played in just seven games this season and in those seven games, he’s currently averaging 1.7 points, 2 rebounds in 5.7 minutes of action. Last season, Noah played 26 minutes and averaged 5 points and 8.8 rebounds.
