NBA trade rumors still haunt New York Knicks' center Joakim Noah nowadays. After almost linked in every trade deal for a couple of weeks, new reports are dragging him again to be traded to the Minnesota. With Philadelphia 76ers' center Nerlens Noel and Minnesota Timberwolves' point guard Ricky Rubio also part of this rumored 3-team trade deal.
Noah, who just signed with the Knicks last summer, was being criticized for his lackluster performance this season. He is only just averaging 3.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks in 16 games he has played far. This is far from what was expected to him and far from his performance with the Chicago Bulls last season.
As for Noel and Rubio, they also have been to numerous NBA trade rumors for a couple of months. Noel allegedly was put on the trading block by the 76ers by commenting about the 'silly' situation in the 76ers during the offseason. While Rubio has been expendable to the Timberwolves since rookie point guard Kris Dunn was picked by the Twolves in the last draft.
Now, a proposed trade deal is being suggested to the Timberwolves, Knicks, and 76ers. Trade scenario is saying that Minnesota Timberwolves will acquire Joakim Noah from the Knicks. The New York Knicks will then get Nerlens Noel from the 76ers while the Philadelphia 76ers will receive Ricky Rubio from the Timberwolves.
Having Noah would grant coach Tom Thibodeau wish to have a veteran player who already knows his system and could help develop their young core of players. Many say that Noah could be the starting center for Timberwolves while sliding Karl-Anthony Towns to the PF spot. Trading Rubio could also get rid his big paycheck from the Timberwolves' payroll and allow them to clear some cap space.
On the other hand, the Knicks will replace Noah with a young, talented and athletic player in Noel who could play well alongside Kristaps Porzingis. Both players are young and could be their future foundation in the frontcourt. Though Noel still lacks the experience, he can be developed with Carmelo Anthony and Derrick Rose guiding him.
Meanwhile, the 76ers will obtain an established point guard that they've been searching for. Many believed that the 76ers lack a true point guard who can fix their backcourt and make it effective. Aside from that, trading Noel will unload the overcrowded frontcourt of the 76ers so it makes sense for them.
However, one roadblock is preventing this trade from happening. The trade deal will not be approved by league official as Noah signed a 4-year, $72.5 million contract with the Knicks last summer which means that he cannot be traded until such time. The deal will violate league policy about NBA trade rules, as per checking with ESPN NBA Trade Machine.
Hence, the rumored NBA trade between the Minnesota Timberwolves, New York Knicks, and Philadelphia 76ers will not work under the NBA trade rules as it breaches trade policy as of this moment. Nerlens Noel and Ricky Rubio might wait until Joakim Noah will be available to be traded if this trade deal will push thru.
