The New York Knicks agreed to a four-year, $72 million deal with Joakim Noah early in free agency. We break down the deal with how Noah will fit and give a grade for the signing.
The New York Knicks wasted no time making their first splash during 2016 NBA Free Agency. Moments after the clock struck midnight and the calendar flipped to Jul 1st, the Knicks were in discussions with Joakim Noah.
The former Chicago Bulls big man has been the topic of discussion for the Knicks since they acquired point guard Derrick Rose from the Bulls in a trade prior to the NBA Draft. Rose has made it no secret that he hoped to be reunited with his running mate from his time with the Bulls in New York.
Phil Jackson made that happen, as the Knicks and Noah quickly progressed on a deal as the first day of free agency wore on. Before the day ended, it became official that the Knicks and Noah had agreed to a four-year, $72 million deal. ESPN’s Romona Shelborne first reported the deal, which cannot be signed until the moratorium ends July 7th.
Knicks and Joakim Noah have officially agreed on a 4 year $72 million deal after meeting in Orlando tonight https://t.co/zqauJFWmOC
— Ramona Shelburne (@ramonashelburne) July 2, 2016
The signing of Noah fills a huge need for the Knicks, as they were without a starting caliber center on the roster. Kyle O’Quinn is the only center currently on the roster, with Willy Hernangomez coming over from Europe and Marshall Plumlee signed as an undrafted free agent. Seeing those names, it makes sense why the Knicks were so aggressive going after Noah early in free agency.
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Noah has battled injuries and ineffectiveness the past two seasons, having a fall from grace when he was an MVP candidate following the 2013-14 season. The Knicks are hoping that he can put some of those injury concerns behind him, and return to form as the rough and rugged center that was the at the heart of the Bulls success.
Noah will have no problem fitting in with New York, as he should handle being in the city without a problem. But, the real question is, how will he fit on the court?
He looks to be a fit with the players that the Knicks currently have on the roster, but the question remains; how much will he actually be on the court?
That is one of the things that has to be taken into account when grading this deal. Check out our grades and analysis for the signing, as we discuss how Noah will fit in on both ends of the court and what he will bring to the table for the Knicks.
Next: How Noah Fits Offensively