Joakim Noah Getting a Max Contract Offer From the Wizards is a Great Rumor

Joakim Noah is a free agent after spending the first 9 years of his NBA career with the Chicago Bulls. Noah signed a 5-year extension with the Bulls before the 2010 season, so the media has never had a chance to opine on his possible free agency destinations before. That’s the only thing that can explain this report from The Sporting News claiming the Wizards are ready to make Noah a huge offer.

"According to sources, the Wiz are locked in on making a major offer to Joakim Noah. The Wizards are said to be willing to offer Noah, coming off shoulder surgery that KO’d him in January, a full maximum contract. His deal would start at $26.6 million and reach nearly $120 million over four seasons."

Now, there are a few explanations for this claim that the Wizards are planning to offer a 31-year old center – who just shot a career low 38% from the field who has missed significant time in 5 of his 9 seasons – a max deal.

1. This is a contract that a team was willing to offer Noah when his rookie deal ran out with the Bulls.

2. Someone told this reporter, “Yeah, the Wizards are interested in Joakim Noah. In fact, they’re going to offer him a max contract!” in a very sarcastic tone.

Luckily, CSN’s J. Michael has already shut down this rumor.

Derrick Rose and the Knicks are also interested in Noah.