Joakim Noah Calls Free Agency 'Very Intriguing,' Will Consider Every Offer
(CBS) Bulls big man Joakim Noah is looking forward to entering free agency for the first time in his career.
After a disappointing 2015-'16 campaign that was abbreviated because of season-ending shoulder surgery in January, Noah becomes a free agent on July 1. At that time, he's open to anything.
"I'm very focused on free agency," Noah told Sportando while in Italy for the Adidas Eurocamp. "I spent the last 10 years in Chicago, there were good moments and bad moments, but now I have an incredible opportunity for a player, being recruited by a team, I definitely want to live that kind of experience. It's new for me, but it's something very intriguing for a player."
After being the Bulls' heart and soul for years, Noah was relegated to a bench role last season and dealt with a shoulder injury for most of the season. He called his season "terrible" and added he was "very disappointed" in how it all played out. That included an episode during the first week of the regular season when coach Fred Hoiberg falsely claimed Noah volunteered to come off the bench. Noah clarified that he'd only said he'd do what's best for the team.
Bulls management has indicated a willingness to sit down with Noah when free agency opens. Noah averaged 4.3 points and 8.8 rebounds on 38 percent shooting in 29 games in 2015-'16. He's spent his entire nine-year career in Chicago.
"He represents a lot of things that we believe in," executive vice president of basketball operations John Paxson said in mid-April. "To me, he's one of the most genuine people I've ever been around in this business, as far as people go. So we have an affinity for Jo. But we've got to talk, we've got to see where it goes."
For his part, Noah says he'll listen to everyone with interest.
"I'll consider every offer on the table, no doubt," Noah told Sportando.