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NBA Rumors: Where Should Joakim Noah Land In Free Agency

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 3, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls forward center Joakim Noah (13) complains about a foul call against him during the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena. Hornets win 130-105. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bulls forward center Joakim Noah (13) complains about a foul call against him during the second half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena. Hornets win 130-105. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 12, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Deron Williams (8) and forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) and guard Wesley Matthews (23) and center Zaza Pachulia (27) celebrate during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the American Airlines Center. The Cavaliers defeat the Mavericks 110-107 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Deron Williams (8) and forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) and guard Wesley Matthews (23) and center Zaza Pachulia (27) celebrate during the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at the American Airlines Center. The Cavaliers defeat the Mavericks 110-107 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Dallas Mavericks

The Dallas Mavericks need a center who can protect the rim and solidify the defensive interior. The makeshift lineups have worked well enough for Dallas to be a postseason team, but in order to contend, Rick Carlisle needs stability.

If Joakim Noah can remain healthy, Dallas would be an outstanding landing spot for him.

Dallas would likely check in at No. 4 if not for the overwhelming history of big men getting injured in Portland. It checks in at No. 3, however, as a team that not only needs Noah, but has a coach who knows how to utilize his abilities.

Carlisle is a master of turning even the slightest of strengths into displays of borderline greatness, and Noah would be the perfect player for him to help next.

Noah could play the Tyson Chandler role of a defensive anchor who helps mask Dirk Nowitzki’s flaws on that end. His ability to facilitate and control the boards would maintain much of what Zaza Pachulia brought to the table, as well.

Dallas needs more than just Noah, but signing him could help it legitimize its rotation.

Next: Anchoring The Interior