Joakim Noah had the best years of his career, under Head Coach Tom Thibodeau in Chicago. He has struggled since the new Fred Hoiberg system began this season, and heading into free agency this year, he could be looking for a change. The Bulls seem pretty happy with Gasol starting at Center, leaving Joakim without a job. Noah has voiced his issues with the Bulls organization and now he might be looking to go back to where it all started with Tom Thibodeau.
According to SportsNews, The Minnesota Timberwolves are planning a reunion between Joakim Noah and new Head Coach Tom Thibodeau:
League sources tell Sporting News that Thibodeau has targeted Joakim Noah, who is an unrestricted free agent and has interest in leaving Chicago and re-joining Thibodeau. When they were together in Chicago, Noah developed and thrived under Thibodeau, finishing fourth in the MVP voting in 2013-14.
It’s interesting that the Wolves would target another big to add to their arsenal of bigs, like Rookie of the Year Karl-Anthony Towns. Noah may be able to help bring in that defensive mentality that Thibodeau will begin to drill into the heads of the young Wolves roster starting next season in October. The Wolves have the ability to make a couple moves this summer and with Noah having a lot to prove, Minnesota could be a possible destination. Noah averaged 4.3 points, 8.8 rebounds only shooting 38% from the field this year from the Bulls and maybe Minnesota can provide a clean slate for him in a way. Minnesota is definitely a team to keep an eye on because they have the talent to become a potentially threat in the West soon. With Wiggins, Towns, and LaVine all progressing in their development, Noah could be a catalyst to pushing them to another level.
