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Rumor: Joakim Noah May Be Traded This Summer, Taj Gibson is ‘Plan B’

By Matthew Price

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The firing of Tom Thibodeau may not be the only major change for the Chicago Bulls‘ roster this summer.

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The Bulls are supposedly looking to trade former defensive player of the year Joakim Noah, most likely in an attempt to clear up cap space so that Chicago can sign Jimmy Butler to a max contract and add another wing player or backup point guard.

According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, the Bulls’ Plan A would be to trade Noah, but if that doesn’t work, then they may try to trade Taj Gibson.

"“With Gasol and the return of Derrick Rose to the mix, Noah’s numbers dropped drastically from last season, and that’s why the Bulls are expected to at least test the trade market with him.Taj Gibson – If there’s not a market on Noah, Gibson is Plan B on that trade list, especially with the Bulls up against the cap.”"

It’s saddening to hear that Noah may be leaving the Bulls, but the logic behind a potential trade makes sense. Noah, now 30 years old with just one year left on his contract (which is worth $13.4 million), has had an injury to his left knee, and as a result he posted career lows last year in player efficiency rating (15.2), free throw attempt rate (.407), and true shooting percentage (.482).

It also doesn’t help that new head coach Fred Hoiberg doesn’t appear to be a huge fan. Trade rumors started after Hoiberg addressed the perception that his offense didn’t work well with two bigs on the floor.

"“We had a lot of success with that at Iowa State, using our bigs as playmakers in the open floor,’’ Hoiberg said. “And then Pau’s ability to get up and seal in transition or go right into a drag screen and pop with his ability to shoot. And then the bench players, Taj, I’ve always loved his ability to get out, he’s a great defensive player.”"

Notice who wasn’t mentioned in his answer?

Hoiberg’s opinion on Noah goes as far back as May 2013, when he tweeted about Jo’s shooting form.

The biggest problem for Chicago if they do try to trade Noah would be finding a good deal. As mentioned above, Noah didn’t play well last year, and although he is great at defending and rebounding, there are several centers entering free agency this year that would probably be more appealing.

Another issue is that the Bulls would primarily be trading Noah in order to free up cap space, so they would not be interested in taking back large contracts from other teams.

It seems inevitable that the Bulls are going to have another major roster change sometime before the 2015-16 season begins. The real question isn’t if the Bulls will make their move sometime this summer, it’s when they’ll make it.

Next: Rumor: Wesley Matthews to the Bulls?

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