After a season that can only be characterized as a disappointment for basketball fans in the Windy City, featuring the club's first absence from the postseason since 2007, the downward spiral that ultimately began from the opening tip of the campaign has only been exacerbated.
According to ABC 7 Chicago, per the Chicago Sun-Times, Joakim Noah won't be returning to the United Center for the 2016-17 season due to a rift regarding trust between the front office and the two-time all-star.
While this departure is certainly a shocking one for many - as the former 9th overall pick has been a mainstay in the Bulls' front court and the heart and soul of the team since his arrival in 2007 - it doesn't come as a complete surprise.
As noted by Kurt Helin from ProBasketballTalk, the writing has been on the wall for sometime due to the lack of trust in management. But, nonetheless, it's still a weird thought to think of Noah wearing anything but red and white.
This move clearly caught a few off guard. Yet, at the same time it shouldn't have come as much of a surprise.
It has been noted that his playing time since rookie head coach Fred Hoiberg took over for Tom Thibodeau has diminished. According to Basketball Reference, Noah failed to eclipse the 30 minute per game mark for the first time since 2008.
Recently, the former Florida Gator, as reported by Gregg Sussman of SportsGrid, was approached by the Bulls' general manager's wife to participate in a charity event, he declined.
Normally, most athletes wouldn't turn down the chance to improve their image by taking part in a charitable act. In Noah's case, the general disdain towards the management was apparently enough for him to sit this one out.
With the former NBA Defensive Player of the Year seemingly on his way out the door, speculation has begun on where the French international is headed next.
Jeff Pearlman of The New York Times thinks that Noah could take the LeBron James route, and take his talents to South Beach. In Miami, Noah could link up with the young, up-and-coming center Hassan Whiteside, creating a formidable front court duo.
It seems that while Erik Spoelstra and company could be making a push to bring the 7 footer to Biscayne Bay, it's certainly not the only possible destination for Joakim Noah.
Another place where the disgruntled Bulls center could bring its defensive prowess to is none other than Manhattan. Where former legendary Bulls and Lakers coach - turned front office member - Phil Jackson and newly hired head coach Jeff Hornacek - who last coached the Phoenix Suns
The newly formed duo could provide an attractive opportunity for the 7 footer as the New York Knicks are expected to make a monster push, according to BleacherReport, per Howard Beck.
While Joakim Noah was known as the stalwart of the Chicago Bulls for the better part of 9 seasons, he seems to be ready to leave Fred Hoiberg and company for good.
