Throughout the Chicago Bulls’ 2015-16 season, the issues between Joakim Noah and the rest of the Bulls’ organization became one of Chicago’s biggest issues as the Bulls failed to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2007-08 season.
But with Noah about to hit free agency, the 6-foot-11 center’s dismay with the Bulls — specifically with the front office — seems to be coming out in full force.
According to Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, Noah has outwardly told teammates that he is ready to move on from Chicago and wants to sign somewhere else when he becomes a free agent.
Teammates and other sources in the NBA have told the Sun-Times that Noah has no trust in the front office and pointed out Bulls’ General Manager Gar Forman as a person that has caused issues. The friction between the players and the Chicago front office dates back to the Tom Thibodeau era.
According to the player, former coach Tom Thibodeau was always able to shield the players from the front office, having them buy into the idea that it was “us against them.’’
Noah’s friction with the Bulls also appears to be connected to current Chicago head coach Fred Hoiberg. During the 2015-16 season, Noah averaged 4.3 points per game and 8.8 rebounds per game, one of the worst statistical years of his career. As a result of Noah’s struggles, the former Florida Gator spent a significant amount of time coming off the bench for the Bulls. Noah would not publicly express his frustrations, but Cowley and others reported that Noah struggled with his role as a bench player.
When Noah hits free agency in July, he could end up taking a pay cut. The center earned $13.4 million during the 2015-16 season but as previously mentioned, Noah is coming off of one of the least productive seasons of his career.
Heading into next season, Noah could be among a group of Bulls’ veterans on the move. Chicago could also potentially trade Derrick Rose and/or Jimmy Butler to free up cap space. It appears that the Bulls will have to get back to the playoffs by rebuilding and not reloading.
