Veteran center Joakim Noah is still a free agent, and it seems at least one team is eager to obtain his services.
The New York Times' Marc Stein reported Saturday that the New Zealand Breakers of Australia's National Basketball League are "trying to convince" the 34-year-old to sign with them for the upcoming season.
MORE: NBA free agency tracker 2019: Full list of signings, best available players
The @NZBreakers are trying to convince Joakim Noah to play in Australia's @nbl next season, league sources say, with Breakers owner Matt Walsh -- Noah's former collegiate teammate -- leading the recruitment
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 13, 2019
Stein notes that the owner of the Breakers, Matt Walsh, was a teammate of Noah's during their college days at the University of Florida. He also points out Noah's situation would be akin to that of former top pick Andrew Bogut, who recently wrapped up an MVP season in the NBL with the Sydney Kings.
Bogut made a late-season return to the NBA earlier this year with the Warriors.
Walsh sees Noah as the @NZBreakers' "dream signing," pitching it as a chance for Noah to sample a new world before returning to the NBA a la Andrew Bogut. Bogut had an MVP season with the @SydneyKings in 2018-19, then made a late-season move to Golden State after @nbl play ended
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 13, 2019
Stein also reports that while the Breakers' interest is strong, Noah is taking a "selective" approach to where he plays next season.
The Knicks waived Noah last October just two years into a four-year, $72 million contract. The Grizzlies signed him on Dec. 4. Noah proceeded to have his best season in nearly four years, averaging 7.1 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.
Noah wouldn't be the Breakers' first notable acquisition this offseason. In May, New Zealand managed to sign top high school recruit RJ Hampton after he decided to forgo college to focus on the 2020 NBA Draft.