NBA Rumors: Joakim Noah, Grizzlies in ‘Extensive’ Contract Talks

Nick Wass/Associated Press

The Memphis Grizzlies are reportedly considering signing free-agent center Joakim Noah. According to Marc Stein of the New York Times, there have been “extensive discussions” between the two sides recently.

Noah hasn’t played yet in 2018-19 after being waived by the New York Knicks in October. He had two seasons remaining on his four-year, $72 million contract, but the team used the stretch provision to reduce the cap hit.

Noah was once one of the more versatile players in the NBA, earning two All-Star selections while being named the 2013-14 Defensive Player of the Year. Unfortunately, he has gone on a downward trend since then and has only appeared in 82 total games since the start of the 2015-16 season.

The 33-year-old has only played seven games in the past two seasons, averaging 1.7 points per game in that time.

This won’t do much to help improve an offense that ranks 28th in the NBA with 103.3 points per game.

Still, he could provide depth and experience for a Grizzlies team that has gotten off to a strong start at 10-5. Adding Noah provides the coaching staff with another proven player at center behind starter Marc Gasol while also allowing rookie Jaren Jackson Jr. to move to power forward if needed.

With 60 playoff starts also on his resume, Noah could be a valuable asset in the locker room.