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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 22, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle gestures to the referees in the first half against Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Dallas Mavericks head coach Rick Carlisle gestures to the referees in the first half against Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks have been a pleasant surprise in the Western Conference. Despite mixing a controversially disappointing free agency with their top offseason acquisition struggling mightily, Dallas is 16-13.

If Mark Cuban is hoping to recreate the magic of Tyson Chandler and Dirk Nowitzki in 2010-11, it’s worth targeting Joakim Noah.

Defensively, Noah brings the same tools to the table as Chandler. He fearlessly contests shots, plays with an infectious energy, runs the floor well, rebounds at a borderline elite level, and isn’t afraid of contact.

Offensively, Noah blows Chandler out of the water.

Noah has never been much of a scorer, but he’s one of the most gifted big men passers in NBA history. He averaged 5.4 assists in 2013-14, 4.7 in 2014-15 and is dishing out 3.8 in just 22.3 minutes in 2015-16.

More hoops habit: The NBA's 50 Greatest Players of All-Time

If you don’t think Rick Carlisle could bring the best out of Noah, whose per 36 numbers include 14.3 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 1.8 blocks, you’re severely underestimating his brilliance.

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