The Chicago Bulls are making one thing clear, Joakim Noah is untouchable. No matter the trade offer, Noah is not going anywhere for the Bulls. As the team is working with the Portland Trail Blazers on a trade for LaMarcus Aldridge, the Bulls are refusing to include Noah in any kind of deal.
The Chicago Tribune reports Noah is off the table for All-Star forward Aldridge. It is easy to see why Portland would be trying to make this trade happen. Noah brings a high amount of intensity and defensive skills that would make him a fan-favorite in Portland. Plus, he was selected to the 2013 All-Defensive First Team. The Trail Blazers are looking for a true center and Noah is the perfect fit.
But, Portland can stop considering that an option. Instead, the trade package is rumored to include Luol Deng or Carlos Boozer plus Jimmy Butler and the rights to a first round draft pick owned by the Bulls. There has been no word from the Blazers on that package, as the team is still trying to figure out where Aldridge stands. There are conflicting reports that he either loves or hates the city and may or may not want out immediately for a team that is a true title contender.
At 27, Aldridge has hit sights set on a major market team and Chicago would certainly fit that bill. If truly available, the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Clippers have also shown interest in making a pull for the All-Star.
Portland can make a big splash during the NBA free agency period with potentially $10 million in cap space to work with. They could build a solid team while convincing Aldridge to stay put. Aldridge has come out saying he is not demanding a trade from Portland. In an email to The Oregonian, Aldridge simply said he looks forward to who the team will sign in the free agency.
If Aldridge stays with the team, Portland is maybe one or two players away from being a strong contender. Alongside Rookie of the Year Damian Lillard, the Trail Blazers are certainly not going to let a cornerstone player walk away for just anyone. Aldridge has two years remaining on a contract that will pay him $14 million and $15 million in the following seasons. Since Portland cannot get Noah, they might be contend with building around Lillard and Aldridge for the time being.
