NBA free agency rumors: Joakim Noah, Grizzlies expected to reach deal

Center Joakim Noah could be close to finding a new home after being released by the Knicks just before the season opener.

Noah, 33, is scheduled to meet with the Grizzlies late next week, and the two sides are expected to come to terms on a deal, according to The Athletic.

Sources on @TheAthleticNBA @WatchStadium: Joakim Noah and the Memphis Grizzlies are expected to meet late next week and come to terms on a deal — in what has been a nearly two month-long courtship.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 24, 2018

The New York Times reported earlier this week that the Grizzlies have had "extensive discussions" with the veteran big man.

Noah played only 53 games for New York over the last two seasons after signing a four-year, $72 million contract in July 2016. He saw action in seven games for the Knicks last season, totaling 40 minutes, and he left the team in late January after a dispute with then-coach Jeff Hornacek.

Noah also was suspended 20 games after violating the NBA’s drug policy in March 2017.

The 6-11 center spent his first nine NBA seasons with the Bulls before he joined the Knicks. He made two All-Star teams and was the 2013-14 Defensive Player of the Year during his time with Chicago.