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NBA Trade Rumors: Best Landing Spots for Joakim Noah

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 7, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) reacts during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) reacts during the second half against the Phoenix Suns at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 23, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry and forward Anthony Davis (23) during the second half of a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Trail Blazers 115-89. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 23, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry and forward Anthony Davis (23) during the second half of a game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Smoothie King Center. The Pelicans defeated the Trail Blazers 115-89. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

3. New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans put big money on Omer Asik to solidify the defensive interior alongside Anthony Davis. That near $58 million investment has yet to pay off, as the 29-year-old is averaging just 15.2 minutes played per game in Alvin Gentry’s up-tempo offense.

With a need for stability at center, it would behoove the Pelicans to explore a potential trade for Joakim Noah.

Noah may not be the best fit in an up-tempo attack, but he runs the floor well and has no trouble stationing himself along the defensive interior. His versatility would work well alongside Davis, as their ability to flash out to the perimeter would blow up the pick-and-roll.

Offensively, Noah’s presence would give the Pelicans two gifted playmakers from the pinch post.

Given his offensive value as a facilitator, Noah’s fit in New Orleans would be vastly superior to that of Asik. Defensively, his energy would match Asik’s, and his superior footwork would help him supersede the 29-year-old in the rotation.

Noah would likely see less than 30 minutes per game in New Orleans, but he’d have a chance to help the Pelicans return to the playoffs.

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