New York Knicks Joakim Noah
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The New York Knicks long-awaited split with exiled big man Joakim Noah appears to be imminent, but the team is still searching for a trade.

The Joakim Noah saga is nearing its eventual end. According to Stefan Bondy of the New York Daily News, the New York Knicks plan to part ways with Noah by the roster deadline on Oct. 15. Bondy writes:

“Unless a trade opportunity suddenly emerges for the center, the Knicks will waive Noah before the regular-season roster needs to be set on Oct. 15, sources told the Daily News.”

It’s safe to assume that there won’t be a late surge of interest from teams regarding Noah — especially since it’s likely that the Knicks will waive Noah in the near future. The Knicks are looking to move on from his contract and they will likely use the waive and stretch provision to save on the salary cap next summer.

The Knicks must trim their roster down to 15 players (17 when including two-way deals). Right now, Noah Vonleh looks to be playing himself on the roster, but in order to make the roster, the Knicks will have to clear a spot for him. Waiving Noah is the most logical move to clear that space for Vonleh.

Additionally, undrafted rookie Allonzo Trier is turning heads in the preseason. He is currently on a two-way deal and limited to 45 days with the New York Knicks. He must spend the rest of his time with the Westchester Knicks, but he is playing so well that he could force his way out of his two-way deal and onto the 15-man roster.

This is another reason the Knicks may want to move on from Noah by the roster deadline. Parting ways with Noah prior to the season will make it easier to find a spot for Trier when he uses all 45 of his days on the NBA roster.

The Knicks are doing their due diligence and holding out until the last possible moment with Joakim Noah. It’s a smart move to continue searching for a trade, but unfortunately, that possibility seems unlikely.

 
NY/NJ hoops reporter (NBA/NCAA) & sports betting writer for XL Media. Never had the makings of a varsity athlete.