Update:
According to Mitch Lawrence of Sporting News, the Wizards are willing and planning to offer a max contract to Joakim Noah:
According to sources, the Wiz are locked in on making a major offer to Joakim Noah. The Wizards are said to be willing to offer Noah, coming off shoulder surgery that KO’d him in January, a full maximum contract. His deal would start at $28 million and reach around $120 million over four seasons.
Lawrence also reports that the Knicks, Bucks, and Wolves are interested in making substantial offers for the Bulls center. It does not appear that those teams are willing to give as large of a deal as Washington is, however.
Of course, this could be a leak by Noah’s agent in order to drive up his client’s value. A max contract for Joakim would be surprising to say the least.
Original Post Follows:
Free agency is nearly here and the rumor mill is churning nonstop. Among notable players expected to make a move this summer is Joakim Noah. The longtime Chicago Bulls center does not seem to fit in the team’s long-term outlook. Add to that his injuries, decline, and rumored tension with coach Fred Hoiberg and it would be shocking if the Florida alum stayed in Chicago.
Noah’s decline has been visible for two years now. But at his peak, the center provides a lot of value to whatever team he is on. Noah’s passing out of that position is a legitimate offensive weapon. His defense has always been world-class even if he is losing a step. Finally, Noah’s leadership cannot be overstated.
As a result of all of those things, the free agent center will have plenty of suitors come July. Among the teams interested in his services are the Washington Wizards:
Free agency buzz, which comes fast: can add the Wizards to the list of teams with interest in Noah. He'll have a few suitors. #twolves
— Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) June 22, 2016
The Wizards had a disappointing season last year and need an infusion of talent. With only seven players under contract and Markieff Morris, Marcin Gortat, and Drew Gooden as the only bigs, it’s no wonder Washington will be in the market for some help at the 4 and 5 spots.
Noah could immediately help them offensively as a secondary passer and outlet for John Wall. Defensively he can be an anchor down low to help provide rim protection.
The issue here is that Washington has a starting center in Gortat. Considering Noah’s play over the past two seasons, Gortat is probably the better player and option at this point. Noah’s lack of shooting makes him difficult to play at the power forward position.
So, if the Wizards want to sign Noah, they would have to sell him on the idea of playing as a backup (unless a trade involving Gortat is made). Joakim reportedly did not take kindly to being demoted in Chicago, so what would make this scenario likely?
With Joakim Noah on board, the Wizards could probably get a relatively high seed in the postseason. If they sell the center on winning, they could very much be in the running for a big addition to their roster.
