GM: Knicks not close to buyout of Joakim
CHICAGO — Joakim Noah’s days as an All-Star may be over but Knicks general manager Scott Perry isn’t ready to end Noah’s days in New York just yet.
Although Noah is buried on Jeff Hornacek’s bench, Perry ruled out severing ties, via a buyout, with the veteran center.
“No, I like having some veteran people around to help a young team,” Perry said early Saturday at the United Center. “His veteran experience is very helpful to have him around in the locker room. So as of right now I’m very comfortable that he’s here and let’s just see what he can contribute going forward. He’s done everything that we’ve asked of him.
“I think he’s embracing where he’s at in his career. He’s embracing where this team is at right now and he’s going to carry out the role to the best of his ability right now.”
The trading deadline is still two months away but in order for the Knicks to have any chance to move Noah, who will earn approximately $55 million through the 2019-20 season, he’ll have to improve his trade value by playing. A buyout is an option but that is a conversation that likely won’t pick up momentum until February and March.
“Well, we know how long this season can be,” Perry said. “Right now the rotation has been what it has — Willy (Hernangomez) and Jo are the guys who haven’t played much yet.
“But I’ve been around the NBA long enough to know that that can change and turn for a variety of reasons. I think both of those guys have been working very hard, will be ready for an opportunity. So when that comes we’ll be able to see it and evaluate it, see what happens from there.
Noah, whose Knicks career has been derailed by injury and a PED suspension, entered Saturday against his former club having played just 12 minutes over two games.
Noah, who began the season serving out his suspension, lost his starting job to Enes Kanter. Meanwhile, Kyle O’Quinn has solidified himself as the backup thus leaving Noah and Hernangomez, the second year forward, as the odd men out.
The Knicks continue to tell Hernangomez to be patient and stay ready. From all indications, Hernangomez is in the Knicks plans.
Noah, 32, is a different story. For the second time in less than a month Noah admitted that he’ll likely never regain the form that resulted in him finishing fourth in the MVP voting four years ago. However, Noah still believes he can still be a contributing player.
“I’ve always been a team guy,” said Noah, who was signed by Phil Jackson two summers ago. “That’s never going to change. That’s who I am. I support all my teammates. It’s not about my situation. It is what it is. I made my mistakes. My injuries, everything, I’m coming from the bottom. I’m OK. I feel good. I feel healthy. And whenever my number is called, I’m ready.”