NBA Rumors: San Antonio Spurs Sign Joakim Noah; Kawhi Leonard, LaMarcus Aldridge Target Pau Gasol Next

Joakim Noah
The Chicago Bulls are urged by experts to trade for Joakim Noah. Flickr/Keith Allison/CC

The San Antonio Spurs are considered as very strong contenders in the Western Conference. Although they fell victim to Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant, their failure to face the Golden State Warriors before the 2016 NBA Finals did not diminish the star power in the Kawhi Leonard squad. Hence, stars like Kevin Durant and Hassan Whiteside remain interested in potentially signing with the San Antonio Spurs. In addition to the two free agency hotshots, reports are rife that Joakim Noah of the Chicago Bulls will be joining the Tim Duncan team next NBA season.

The Chicago Bulls are expected to lose the majority of its core players this NBA offseason. With the departure of Derrick Rose from the Jimmy Butler team and the former's entry to the New York Knicks with Carmelo Anthony, fans anticipate the exit of Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol as well. Immediately after their 2015-16 NBA season ended with the Chicago Bulls failing to make it to the playoffs, rumors have surfaced that the veteran stars want out of the group. Citing issues like the leadership of Jimmy Butler, coaching style of Fred Hoiberg and the lack of support from the front office, Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol have both been pegged to get out of the team via free agency.

Apart from his skills in the hardwood court, Joakim Noah has been considered a good leader of the Chicago Bulls. In fact, one of the reasons the Jimmy Butler team reportedly failed to make it to the 2016 NBA playoffs is the absence of the French man to encourage his teammates. However, it looks like the Chicago Bulls will need to find another inspiring leader as Joakim Noah is rumored to be raring to get out of the team soon.

“Sources continued to reiterate that Noah has no interest in returning to the Bulls, and that position definitely didn’t improve with the news that good friend Derrick Rose was traded to the New York Knicks on Wednesday,” revealed Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times. He further noted, “[T]he big man was telling teammates at the facility that he no longer trusted the direction the front office was taking the team.”

Reports also reveal that Joakim Noah does not see money as the primary consideration in his next move. According to sources, the French man wants a fresh start with a team that cultivates a good basketball culture and locker room camaraderie. Needless to say, the San Antonio Spurs fit the bill.

With the years spent by Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker in the San Antonio Spurs, no or minimal reports of locker room drama had been disclosed. Morever, the stability of the NBA team, as demonstrated by the length of Gregg Popovich's tenure as head coach, is another good sign for Joakim Noah.

Apart from Noah, the San Antonio Spurs are also reportedly looking into signing Pau Gasol. With the Spanish veteran available in the free agent market, sources are claiming that he is looking closely at the Kawhi Leonard squad as his next destination. In addition to the winning culture of the San Antonio Spurs, experts believe that Gasol will fit in to the playbook of Popovich.

“An excellent passer, Gasol would join a team that focuses on sharing the basketball. Motion offense, ball-movement, and taking the best shot is the best description for the Spurs offense,” shared Ernest Shepard of the Inquistr. He added, “It helps that Gasol is an unselfish player. He will want his touches, most likely along the elbow, but the Spurs would have little difficulty appeasing him. The Spurs also occasionally run a pick and roll in the high post. That would allow Gasol the option to pass to a teammate cutting to the basket, or simply take the shot.”

What do you think? Should the San Antonio Spurs sign Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol? Will these Chicago Bulls stars help Kawhi Leonard, LaMArcus Aldridge and Danny Green dominate the Golden State Warriors in the next NBA season?

    Most Popular
  • Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Is 'The Last Supper' worth watching? Audience and critics weigh in

    Faith-based films often receive mixed reactions, and The Last Supper is no exception. The movie attempts to bring a fresh perspective to one of the most iconic moments in Christian history, but does it succeed? Some reviews from critics and audiences provide insight into its strengths and shortcomings.

  • ‘The Chosen’ Season 5: The darkest season yet—What to know before watching

    The wait is over—The Chosen is back with its fifth season, and this time, things are getting intense. The new episodes dive straight into the final days of Jesus’ life, covering some of the most emotional and dramatic moments in the Bible. If you’ve been following the series, you already know that The Chosen isn’t just about retelling familiar stories—it’s about bringing them to life in a way that feels real.

  • Massacres in Syria: Over 1,000 dead, including Christians and Alawites

    Syria’s coastal regions have been devastated by a series of massacres, with reports indicating that over 1,000 people—many from Christian and Alawite communities—have been killed in brutal attacks. Entire families have been wiped out, and survivors are fleeing in search of safety as sectarian violence escalates.

  • Kim Sae-ron and Wheesung: The tragic irony of Korean society and the principles of happiness

    Not long ago, the media was in an uproar over actress Kim Sae-ron’s passing. Just months before, the same people who had relentlessly criticized her for her DUI incident were now expressing sympathy, saying, "The world was too harsh on her." The irony is impossible to ignore.

  • Newsboys move forward as a quartet after Michael Tait’s departure

    After more than a decade as the lead singer of the Newsboys, Michael Tait has officially parted ways with the band, marking a significant shift in the Christian rock group’s lineup. The remaining members—Jeff Frankenstein, Jody Davis, Duncan Phillips, and Adam Agee—have assured fans that they will continue forward, embracing a new season of music and ministry.