As trade deals can now happen in the National Basketball Association (NBA), one significant big man might be donning a new uniform soon as Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah is being dragged to trade talks and rumors.
Noah has been with the Bulls since he was selected ninth overall in the 2007 NBA Draft and before this season was the team's starting center.
But the emergence of forward Nikola Mirotić got him booted off the starting lineup and the second year forward is now manning the paint together with another veteran in Pau Gasol.
Mirotić and Gasol starting for Chicago left Noah coming off the bench and being given the reserve role for the first time in his career.
Because of his new job in the rotation, Noah's number went downhill and in 25 games played so far this season is only averaging 4.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.1 blocks in 22.6 minutes of action per contest.
This season, he only had one starting stint and it was last Saturday in their defeat to the New York Knicks, as Gasol rested following a tough quadruple overtime loss to the Detroit Pistons.
Noah played impressively tallying 21 points, 10 rebounds, two assists, and one steal in 29 minutes played versus New York.
But was that enough to keep him in Chicago, especially with younger big men starting to prove their dominance and Gasol still showing his efficiency.
According to Sports Illustrated's Hoop Habits, one factor that can lead to Noah being dealt is his expiring contract.
The report added that if Noah will be traded, it could pave the way for younger players like rookie Bobby Portis.
Hoop Habits also mentioned that there is no concrete path to where Noah might be heading, but he has been linked to two Western Conference teams, namely the Dallas Mavericks and the Sacramento Kings.
