Chicago Bulls Looking To Trade Unhappy Joakim Noah, Dwight Howard Possibly Involved
Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah is unhappy with his role, so the team might explore trade options, including those that involve Dwight Howard, according to the Chicago Tribune.
When new Chicago Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg was tasked with taking over the team, he wanted a much more up tempo offense, so he decided to put Joakim Noah on the bench. The belief at the time was that the offense would flow a bit more smoothly if Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol, an excellent passer and shooter, was the biggest player on the court. The demotion to the bench also meant that Joakim Noah would be losing out on valuable playing minutes, including those that are considered clutch time during the fourth quarter.
From the very onset until recently, Joakim Noah was a professional and team player. He said all the right things while showing support for his Chicago Bulls teammates during games.
Fred Hoiberg was hoping that his gamble would pay off because he had hoped that winning would keep Joakim Noah happy and under control. That was the case for a while there.
Frustration has kicked in, and Joakim Noah is finding it harder and harder to keep his angst inside. During a recent interview, Noah showed considerable trouble answering questions.
The Washington Wizards feel that they are a piece away from making it to the NBA Finals, so a player like Dwight Howard could be a great complement to John Wall and Bradley Beal. They seem a bit more willing to pass the ball to Dwight Howard in the post than James Harden, one of the most ball-dominant perimeter player in the NBA.
The fact that Dwight Howard becomes a free agent after the end of the season makes it easier for the Houston Rockets to move him now instead of losing him for free in free agency. If the Houston Rockets are looking to replace Dwight Howard at center, then Joakim Noah could be that guy. He gets his minutes, and the Rockets get passing and defense in return.
To make salaries match, the Houston Rockets could also take on Washington Wizards guard Garrett Temple and Chicago Bulls guard Etwaun Moore, providing back court depth.
Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler has been wanting Fred Hoiberg and Gar Forman to find him some help on the perimeter, so the surging Otto Porter could be a good option for him. When Bradley Beal was out with an injury, Otto Porter showed the Washington Wizards that he could be a solid scorer, which raised his trade value in the eyes of general managers.
Washington Wizards center Nene Hilario would not just be a salary cap throw in for the Chicago Bulls. The 6’11”, 260 pound veteran could provide depth behind starter Pau Gasol. Nene Hilario was previously a starter in the NBA, but he has taken his benching, due to the Washington Wizards having Marcin Gortat at center, rather well. No complaints made there.
A trade featuring Joakim Noah and Dwight Howard could help shake up the NBA Playoffs picture and provide help for the Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets, and Washington Wizards.
[Featured Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images]
