Extensive Discussions Between Grizzlies, Joakim Noah

The Grizzlies have engaged in “extensive discussions” with free agent center Joakim Noah in recent days, according to Marc Stein of The New York Times, who reports (via Twitter) that the two sides are in talks on a potential deal.

Noah, 33, spent two seasons with the Knicks after signing a four-year, $72MM deal with the team in 2016. However, he appeared in just 53 games during his time in New York, being sent away from the club last spring following a run-in with then-coach Jeff Hornacek. The Knicks ultimately decided to waive Noah last month with two years left on his contract, stretching his $19.3MM salary for 2019/20 across three years.

Since Noah reached free agency, the Grizzlies have been the only team linked to him. A report from about three weeks ago indicated that Memphis had been in touch with Noah, but had no immediate plans to sign him, and we heard a similar account last week. The latest update from Stein suggests that those discussions may have become a little more serious.

Having waived Andrew Harrison last month, the Grizzlies have an open spot on their 15-man roster, and there were rumblings that they wanted to add a veteran big man using that opening.

Although Noah’s time as a Knick didn’t work out, he put up decent numbers in 2016/17 with the team, averaging 5.0 PPG, 8.8 RPG, and 2.2 APG in 46 games (22.1 MPG), so it’s possible he could still be productive in a limited role.

Since they used their bi-annual exception last season and committed their entire mid-level exception to Kyle Anderson, the Grizzlies – who are near the luxury tax threshold – could only offer a minimum salary contract.

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