In the very definition of irony, the Chicago Bulls and center Joakim Noah became much more likely to part ways today, despite the announcement on a multi-year extension. The new deal does guarantee that Noah will not become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.
The Chicago Tribune reports that the deal is worth $11 million annually with incentives in place that could take it higher.
Noah made “the leap” last year averaging 10.7 points and 11.0 rebounds while battling plantar fasciitis in his left foot and missing 18 games, because of it. His name surfaced in sign-and-trade rumors involving the Big Three free agents – LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh – this summer. You obviously, know what happened to those three guys.
By Paul M. Banks
“Joakim is such an integral member of our team and we are very pleased to have reached an agreement with him,” said Chicago Bulls General Manager Gar Forman. “His presence, both on and off of the court, is immeasurable and we look forward to him to continue to improve and develop his game.”
In his three seasons with the Bulls, Noah (6-11, 232) has played in 218 games (140 starts), and averaged 7.9 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1.26 bpg, 24.8 mpg and shot .513 from the field and .706 from the line. Last season, he established career highs in scoring (10.7 ppg), rebounds (11.0 rpg), assists (2.1 apg), blocks (1.56 bpg) and minutes played (30.1 mpg). He also posted a career-best 28 double-doubles, and he was one of nine players in the NBA who averaged a double-double in 2009-10.
Noah has also played in 12 playoff games with the Bulls and owns postseason averages of 12.1 ppg, 13.1 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.83 bpg, 1.25 spg, 38.3 mpg, .513 from the floor and .841 from the free throw line.
The Bulls drafted Noah in the first round (ninth overall) of the 2007 NBA Draft, following a highly successful collegiate career at the University of Florida.
Paul M. Banks is President and CEO of The Sports Bank.net , a Midwest focused webzine. He is also a regular contributor to Chicago Now, the Chicago Tribune’s blog network, Walter Football.com, the Washington Times Communities, Yardbarker Network, and Fox Sports.com
He also does a regular guest spot each week for Chicagoland Sports Radio.com
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