Joakim Noah’s name has been tossed around the trade block ever since Fred Hoiberg was named as the head coach who would replace Tom Thibodeau for the Chicago Bulls. Even though his name has been circling around for months and teams know he is available, trading the former member of the Florida Gators would be a terrible move.
As the decline of Noah’s career sets in, is it really worth it for the Bulls to make a trade? Not many teams are going to go out and give up a major asset or a quality draft pick in exchange for a player who has never been offensively talented. He’s been a one-sided player for the entirety of his career.
All of the time it would take to find a deal that would be in favor of the Bulls could be better used on a move that would dramatically alter their chance at the Eastern Conference title. Maybe they could make a small improvement through a trade, but if they want to beat out the Cleveland Cavaliers, they better spend their time wisely as the trade deadline nears.
Pau Gasol is currently starting at center, but everybody around the NBA knows he is more of a power forward. If he gets hurt, or Chicago ever wants to use a traditional lineup with two bigs, they need to have Noah waiting on the sideline.
Yes, Joakim Noah is not a right fit with the Bulls under Hoiberg, but trading him should not be an option. There is no way they win the trade, making Chicago better off letting the center choose his own destination in free agency after the season.
