Empire Writes Back
Fansided

New York Knicks: Derrick Rose Wants Joakim Noah

By Maurice Moton

Apr 9, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (right) reacts after guard Derrick Rose (left) drives to the basket against the Miami Heat during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 9, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (right) reacts after guard Derrick Rose (left) drives to the basket against the Miami Heat during the second half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

New York Knicks guard Derrick Rose voiced his preference to fill the center position on the court. If he gets his way, Joakim Noah could join the team.

After dealing for point guard Derrick Rose, the New York Knicks need a center to replace Robin Lopez, who the team sent to the Chicago Bulls.

According to Chicago Tribune reporter K.C. Johnson, Rose weighed in on his free-agent preference at the 5-spot:

For those with short-term memory, Rose and Noah played eight seasons to together for a combined five All-Star appearances with the Bulls.

Related Story: New York Knicks: Ranking 5 Replacements for Robin Lopez

When Rose struggled with injuries, Noah came to Rose’s defense against media and fan attacks on his unreliability on the court:

According to Sporting News reporter Mitch Lawrence, the Washington Wizards lead the potential destinations for Noah. The Milwaukee Bucks and Minnesota Timberwolves are also in the mix.

Noah has connections in Minnesota. The Timberwolves recently hired the center’s former coach, Tom Thibodeau, as their head coach and president of basketball operations.

It’ll sting the Knicks to lose another free-agent target to the Bucks. During the previous offseason, Greg Monroe chose Milwaukee over New York.

This time around, the Knicks have a strong locker room connection to a potential target.

Next: Top 5 PGs of all-time

In Rose’s case, if you’re going to start a new chapter, it’s easier to do so with someone you trust in a big market with a critical fan base. It’s very likely the Knicks put forth a strong effort to satisfy their newest addition.

Rose certainly hopes his bond with the two-time All-Star lures him to the Big Apple. If so, the Knicks would acquire a top-notch rim protector, a hustler in the paint and one of the better passers in the league at the 5-spot.

Teams may begin negotiating with free agents on July 1 but nothing becomes official until July 8.

Home/New York Knicks