NBA Rumors: Timberwolves Targeting Joakim Noah In NBA Free Agency?

Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Timberwolves are a team on the rise in the Western Conference. After many years of disappointment being the franchise always in the mix for the top pick in the NBA Draft, the Timberwolves may be starting to turn things around with a few drastic changes heading into the NBA offseason.

Along with Andrew Wiggins and Karl-Anthony Towns emerging as legitimate stars in this league, Minnesota has brought in a new leader on the sidelines in Tom Thibodeau. It appears Thibodeau’s presence has already made an impact with Minnesota potentially bringing in veteran addition to the frontcourt, according to Mitch Lawrence of Sporting News:

League sources tell Sporting News that Thibodeau has targeted Joakim Noah, who is an unrestricted free agent and has interest in leaving Chicago and re-joining Thibodeau. When they were together in Chicago, Noah developed and thrived under Thibodeau, finishing fourth in the MVP voting in 2013-14.

The Timberwolves are already developing a promising young core of players with Wiggins, Towns, Zach LaVine, and Ricky Rubio leading the way. Minnesota also has a veteran leadership with Kevin Garnett expected to return for at least one more season and the guidance of one of the best coaches in the league calling the shots.

Although Towns is now the star in the frontcourt for the foreseeable future, Noah would be a solid addition for the Timberwolves. The veteran center will become an unrestricted free agent this summer and is apparently open to the prospect of leaving the Chicago Bulls. Joining forces with his former coach and a team filled with young talent might be a step in the right direction.

Noah will be one of a few intriguing free agent centers this summer. Dwight Howard, Festus Ezeli (restricted), and Hassan Whiteside will also be potential fits for Minnesota, but Noah’s connection to Thibodeau may be enough to give the Timberwolves the edge in signing the veteran.