BOSTON, MA – DECEMBER 09: Joakim Noah #13 of the Chicago Bulls looks on during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on December 9, 2015 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeat the Bulls 105-100. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

If there is something to be said about Joakim Noah of the Chicago Bulls, it is that he wants to compete. Unfortunately for him, his role with the Bulls has been reduced lately and that is reportedly not sitting very well with him.

According to a report from Chicago Sun-Times reporter Joe Cowley, Noah is still trying to come to grips with losing his starting job and that has led to some unpleasant feelings toward Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg. The good news, apparently, is Noah’s mood has not been a distraction. The decision to give Noah a limited reserve role has been gutsy for Hoiberg, as the veteran is earning $13.4 million in the final year of his contract.

Per Cowley, the Bulls had been hoping that winning games with Noah accepting his reduced role would help ease the tension, but despite going 6-4 in their last 10 games and holding down the fourth spot in the Eastern Conference approaching the midway point of the season, that has not been the case. With Noah’s contract expiring after this season and with his role on the team taking a backseat to others, the trade talks should spice things up in Chicago. The center could be a nice pick-up for any NBA playoff contender in need of a veteran big man.

Give credit to Noah for not necessarily going public with his sentiments and ripping Hoiberg and management for what is developing in Chicago. Any number of players could be handling this situation much differently. Since Noah is not becoming a distraction for the Bulls, he actually helps his trade stock as well. There is also the strong possibility Noah may end up sticking around in Chicago and contributing one way or the other. For now, all Noah can do is go out and play when placed in the game and cheer on his teammates when he is on the bench. So far, he has done that and it should be expected he will do so for as long as he remains in Chicago.

[Chicago Sun-Times]

About Kevin McGuire

Contributor to Athlon Sports and The Comeback. Previously contributed to NBCSports.com. Host of the Locked On Nittany Lions Podcast. FWAA member and Philadelphia-area resident.