Earlier today, we relayed the latest comments from Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek on exiled center Joakim Noah. Hornacek sounded like someone who doesn’t expect Noah to return to the team this season, suggesting that the Knicks have “moved on” and adding that the veteran big man may be ready to seek an opportunity elsewhere.
While those comments made it sound like Noah’s release may be imminent, Hornacek’s answers to other questions made it clear that’s not necessarily the case. The Knicks head coach didn’t rule out the possibility of Noah returning to the team, suggesting that decision would ultimately be up to president Steve Mills and GM Scott Perry. Ian Begley of ESPN also heard from sources that the Knicks have shown no desire yet to waive Noah outright.
Hornacek’s comments and Begley’s reporting raise several questions about what exactly the Knicks’ plan is for Noah. For starters, would the team would be willing to bring back Noah this season and get him some playing time down the stretch in an effort to at least slightly improve his trade value for the offseason?
With Willy Hernangomez out of the picture, getting Noah some minutes at the expense of veterans Enes Kanter and Kyle O’Quinn wouldn’t be the worst thing for a tanking team. However, there may be lingering concern about Noah’s impact on the locker room. He was last seen getting into a practice altercation with Hornacek, so the club may not want to risk further incidents along those lines.
If Noah doesn’t return to the Knicks and he’s not interested in discussing a buyout, would the club be willing to just waive him? If so, when? As we outlined in December, if the Knicks don’t mind keeping Noah’s full $18MM+ cap hit for 2018/19 on their books, waiting until after August 31 to waive and stretch the veteran could make sense. Noah’s future cap hits in that scenario would be less expensive – and would end a year earlier – than if he’s waived and stretch before the end of August. Still, either approach would involve cutting into New York’s cap space until at least 2022.
What do you think? What’s the next step for the Knicks? Assuming Noah doesn’t suddenly show a willingness to give up money in a buyout, is there any path that doesn’t involve the Knicks compromising future cap flexibility or giving up important assets to part with him?
Jump into the comment section below to share your thoughts!
September 1, 12:01 AM. Stretch him!
If they really don’t like him… since they aren’t competing anyway… do nothing. Paying him either way if you stretch, buyout, waive.
I agree – do nothing.
Pay him to stay home. Re-evaluate in the summer. Go from there.
This is not a story.
Putting him on the court is not going to increase his value enough that some team is going to be willing to absorb his salary in the offseason, let him sit and potentially stretch September 1.
Him attacking coach is that a hate crime? How did his career go south so quickly? His days as a bull were awesome he must have lost his motivation? Puzzling
Get a good insurance policy for rest of contract then play him every minute of every game the rest of the season.
If he played it would help the Knicks plan to tank
I have to say I am laughing as a Bulls fan. He was a great team player, I saw his last game as a Bull and was sure his arm was going to fall right off on the court. Can’t imagine what Phil was thinking when he signed him, maybe was trying to get fired so he could spend more time with Jeannie.
Nix can just let him stay home watching TV while he collects his pension, I think. Unless they want to call in some hired muscle to take care of it.
Regardless of when he’s cut, they shouldn’t stretch the cap hit (vs taking the hit in the years the money is paid) unless they have some use for the accelerated cap savings. It’s certain they won’t cap space this summer. But it won’t be certain (in August 2018) whether they’ll have any particular need for the accelerated cap savings in the summer of 2019. Decisions to give something (including future cap space) to get cap space are usually made at the point that you know exactly what you’re going to do with the cap space. I can’t think of an instance where the stretch provision has been used 9 months prior to the point that the team will know if it’s a good or bad decision. While it occupies a roster spot, I’d keep him until the summer of 2019, and release and stretch at the point if they need the cap space to sign a quality FA. Otherwise, release and don’t stretch (and keep the following 3 years clear of this horrible contract). Or try and use his expiring contract in a deal. I don’t see any reason the Knicks should accommodate Noah and relinquish options, unless he agrees to take at least a little less in his last year.
Somebody, meaning Mr Jeff, should just have a sit down and have a real good heart to heart talk and realize you only have a short time in life to play. Drop the attitudes. Both of you. Get out there and play. Fans want you out there. You’re an awesome player. Play for your teammates. Play for God. The rest will take care of itself. And who knows, maybe one day you’ll be able to take your family to the Hall to see YOU! Just saying….
Commercial for nba : Noah with bulls =this is your brain
Noah on knicks= this is your brain on drugs