Joakim Noah Regrets $72 Million Knicks Move, Credits Jalen Brunson for ‘Stabilizing’ NYC

Will the history books of the New York Knicks remember Joakim Noah fondly? Not everyone might agree. After all, the player’s two-year stint with the franchise saw him embroiled in several issues. This limited his time on the court. As a result, the 4-year, $72 million contract awarded to him would go down as among “the worst contracts in NBA history.” When the Knicks attempted to waive the player early, he ultimately made a decision that might have had some long-term consequences for the franchise. Six years later he highlights his regrets over what took place while crediting a current star for doing what he couldn’t.

Sitting down with Fox News, Joakim Noah talked about his time with the New York Knicks. He had dreamed of joining the franchise since his childhood days. However, his expectations were not met when he signed with them in 2016. The Knicks themselves may have ended up feeling a twinge of regret due to the reported problems that their new acquisition created for them. Therefore, it made sense that the organization waived him just after two years using the ‘stretch-provision waiver.’ Having examined the past, Noah couldn’t help but imagine how things could have turned out differently if he had been more careful.

“It was disappointing not to be able to be 100% playing for the Knicks,” Noah said. “It was a tough experience, because I wasn’t able to compete the way I wanted to, I wasn’t able to express myself on the court the way that I wanted to, and it was my childhood dream. So, something that I want people to know . . . it was an experience that didn’t work out the way that I wanted to, and that’s life.”

During his first season, Joakim Noah faced a 20-game suspension for reportedly violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy. He was ruled out for 3-4 weeks after undergoing left knee surgery just before the incident took place. Add that period to the other weeks he would go on to miss due to more injuries, and Noah only played 46 games during the 2016-17 season. Things took a turn for the worse during the next season after he had an unfortunate altercation with owner Jeff Hornacek. This eventually turned into a shoving match. While later reports claimed that it was the coach who initiated the physical exchange, the player received the ultimate punishment. Noah was “banished” from the rest of the series.

Eventually, the Knicks decided to waive the player, after just two years. Through the waiver, they saved over $12.6 million in cap space. Expectations were that Noah would also provide some additional relief by taking a cut on the remaining $38 million that the franchise owed him. However, he refused to do anything of the sort. A delay occurred in waiving the player as the Knicks attempted to negotiate a better buyout, but Noah wouldn’t budge. Half a decade later, as the Knicks were attempting to stay below the luxury tax and apron limits, Jalen Brunson provided a big help by taking over a $113 million cut on his four-year extension. While Noah didn’t mention this, he did appreciate just how much the player’s presence meant for his old franchise.

“I remember watching Jalen play when he was 11 or 12 years old in Chicago, and now to see what he’s doing, the humility that he’s doing it with, and just the way that he’s brought stability to basketball in this city, especially as a point guard, is just so fun to watch” said the now 39-year-old.

Joakim Noah’s experience with the Knicks would have likely left a bad taste in his mouth, and vice versa. However, given the earlier affection he had for the team, the player continues to hold a special place for the Knicks in his heart. While the incident with the owner was unfortunate, Noah approves of the Knicks’ current coach, Tom Thibodeau, though he wouldn’t want to play under him again.

“Thibs was nuts, man” – Joakim Noah shared a hilarious story about Tom Thibodeau

Back in May 2024, Joakim Noah made an appearance on the “Pardon My Take” podcast. He highlighted the tough practice sessions that Tom Thibodeau used to hold when both individuals were with the Chicago Bulls. More than him, however, the sessions would affect his teammate Kyle Korver, a sight that the center would certainly enjoy.

“I mean, almost every day,” Noah said when asked if he ever told Thibodeau to relax his intense practices. “I would see Kyle Korver before practice. He would stay in his car until the last minute. And I would walk by, I would see Kyle, and like his eyes were wide open. You knew what he was thinking. He’s like, ‘I don’t know if I can do this right now.’ We just had a game and we’re doing defensive slides and it’s like, what the f–k is going on? There’s no other team that’s doing it. And then he’s just looking at his books like, ‘No. 1 defensive team. Best rotation in the league. That’s because you guys are doing it the day after practice. That’s why we are doing it.’ Thibs was nuts man.”

According to Sportsnaut, Thibodeau has relaxed somewhat since those days. While he is not as intense with the Knicks, he still reportedly pushes them to work harder than other head coaches. This may have been what allowed the Knicks to win 47 games during the 2022-23 season, and win 50 more matchups during the recent series for the first time in over a decade. Therefore, no matter how bad his exit was, the fact that he didn’t have to play again under Thibodeau may have been a silver lining.

Noah was a player who starred under Thibodeau and was never quite the same after he was fired by Chicago in 2015.

Before you go, remember to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.