The Minnesota Timberwolves continue to struggle in the early going of the regular season. With the team's current situation, Timberwolves president of basketball operation and head coach Tom Thibodeau have stated that he is looking for a veteran player that could help the team. And it looks like he is pointing to his former players like New York Knicks' Joakim Noah to reunite with him.
Noah, who was acquired by the Knicks as a free agent this offseason, seems to be a disappointment and not producing big numbers expected of the team to him. He is just averaging 4.1 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks in 14 games he has played with the Knicks. Rumors are now spreading that he might be dealt by Knicks and that the Timberwolves is said to be their potential trade partner.
According to Daily Knicks, coach Thibodeau is willing to trade away one of his young stars in exchange for a dependable veteran player if the Timberwolves' performance will continue to plunge. And since coach Thibs earlier statement is hinting that he wants players who are accustomed to him, a proposed trade deal may be possibly discussed by both teams.
The report also says that the Knicks may choose from guard Ricky Rubio, forward Gorgui Dieng, forward Nemanja Bjelica, forward Shabazz Muhammad, and forward Adreian Payne as trade offers from the Timberwolves. If the trade will push thru, a reunion of sorts could be well on the way between Noah and coach Thibs.
Chemistry will not be a big problem, even Noah will come in late, as he is already familiar with coach Thibodeau's system. He can be starting center replacing Nikola Pekovic since Pekovic will not be playing the whole season due to his chronic ankle injuries. Being a veteran, Noah can easily play well alongside Karl-Anthony Towns, Andrew Wiggins, Zach LaVine and rookie Kris Dunn. That is, if ever Rubio will be chosen by the Knicks.
Will Knicks president Phil Jackson allow this? According to YIBADA English, Jackson should start contemplating if Noah is really an asset or a liability to the team. The Knicks won their last two games against Atlanta and Portland - perhaps two teams that have a winning record - without Noah.
And with Kristaps Porzingis continued to rise as a dependable player at the middle, he can immediately replace Noah at the center spot that was previously assigned to him as per stated in the report.
Will the Minnesota Timberwolves be able to acquire Joakim Noah from the New York Knicks and reunite with former coach Tom Thibodeau?
