NBA free agency rumors: Joakim Noah reportedly zeroes in on big deal with Knicks

Steven Gaither

NBA free agency rumors: Joakim Noah reportedly zeroes in on big deal with Knicks image

The Knicks have already picked up one former Bulls star this summer. They may soon add another.

Longtime Chicago center Joakim Noah is expected to sign with the Knicks when he becomes a free agent Friday, fetching a deal worth at least $18 million per year, according to The Washington Post.

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The Vertical reported late Wednesday that Noah is scheduled to meet with Knicks team president Phil Jackson shortly after midnight ET Friday, the earliest teams can officially make their pitches to free agents under the NBA's moratorium period. USA Today Sports reported Noah also plans to speak with two additional teams, but no other visits are scheduled.

No contracts can become official until July 7.

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Noah, 31, played in just 29 games for the Bulls last season before a shoulder injury ended his year. In New York, he would join former Bulls teammate Derrick Rose, who was traded to New York last week prior to the NBA Draft.

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Noah averaged a career-low 4.3 points and 8.8 rebounds per game last season. The rebounding average was his lowest since the 2008-09 season.

Steven Gaither