Knicks Reportedly Have ‘a Very High Interest’ in Joakim Noah

Could a Derrick Rose-Joakim Noah reunion be in the works in New York?

Rose certainly hopes so, and so do the Knicks (reportedly.)

The Knicks are expected to go after the NYC native once he becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

Rose and Noah spent time in the city together shortly after the former MVP was traded last week.

Per the NY Post:

According to an NBA source, the Knicks have “a very high interest” in signing Noah to play center in a frontcourt that would feature Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis. Another NBA source said Noah is eager for at least a sitdown with the Knicks. […] The Knicks traded last season’s starting center, Robin Lopez, in the deal that brought back Derrick Rose.

 

A report the Wizards were planning to offer Noah the max was shot down, but they should have interest. The Chicago Sun-Times reported Sunday money isn’t the No. 1 priority for Noah. The newspaper cited three factors: a chance to win, a chance to start and finish games and joining a club that would get behind his Noah’s Arc Foundation. The report stated it would be “naive” to think Noah would just go for the highest offer. […] That’s good news for the Knicks. They have approximately $30 million in cap space — factoring in three cap holds for their own choice free agents — and still need to spend on a starting shooting guard.

 

The Knicks also could face opposition from Minnesota, where former Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau runs the show. The Bulls are not believed to be in the picture, though they have requested a meeting with Noah.