The Chicago Bulls seemed like they had figured everything out during their six game winning streak about a week ago but since then they have lost three games in a row to drop their record to 22-15. Something is just not right with this Bulls team as they have the talent but just can't seem to put it all together. The Bulls have had their issues off the court as well as on it and they continue to pop up as now it seems as though Joakim Noah is very unhappy with his standing in the organization, according to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times.
Noah has been a fan favorite in Chicago since he was drafted back in 2007 and he has meant a lot to the team as he has been the emotional leader and provided some excellent play. This season Noah was moved to a full-time bench role by new head coach Fred Hoiberg in an effort to split him up from Pau Gasol and Noah has seen his minutes decrease significantly.
Noah is not happy with the way he has been handled this season and he reportedly has not moved on from the fact that he was taken out of the starting lineup late in training camp. Despite his unhappiness Noah has reportedly not been anything close to a distraction as he is a true professional but he also "isn't the biggest Fred Hoiberg fan these days."
Noah is in the final year of his contract with the Bulls this season and it could realistically be his final year in Chicago. The Bulls seem to be moving in a different direction under Hoiberg and because of that they have reportedly been exploring trade options for the 30 year old center. The fact that Noah's name has been in trade rumors has likely not helped ease his anger about his position with the Bulls now but it seems almost certain he will be playing basketball elsewhere at this time next season.
Noah missed nine games due to a shoulder injury recently and returned on Monday. Since returning Noah has not played more than 19 minutes in either game he has played in and that is basically what it has been like all year for the nine-year veteran. On the season Noah is averaging a career low 4.3 points in just 21.9 minutes per game and it seems as though a trade this season might be in his and the team's best interest. Noah is definitely somebody that can help this Bulls team out when he is on the floor but right now he is unhappy and not being put in a position to succeed so although Noah won't make a stink about it, the Bulls need to figure this situation out.
