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Report: Noah told teammates he's leaving Bulls

Chris Humphreys / USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bulls forward Joakim Noah appears ready to walk away from the only NBA franchise he's ever known.

The 31-year-old has reportedly been telling teammates that he's done with the organization once free agency begins, citing no longer having trust that the front office can get the team heading in the right direction, an unnamed Bulls player told Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun Times.

Part of Noah's unhappiness with the Bulls stems from the mistrust players have toward general manager Gar Forman. Cowley reports Noah is leading the way for multiple players against the front office.

In addition to a conflict with the front office, Noah has also had a spat with head coach Fred Hoiberg. After starting 323 of the 325 games for the Bulls over a five-year span, Hoiberg deployed Noah off the bench this season. He struggled in the role, averaging 4.3 points and 8.8 rebounds before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in January.

Despite the injury and limited use, it was reported last month that the Bulls considered re-signing Noah a high priority. Now, Chicago is at risk of losing both Noah and Pau Gasol, who is expected to opt out of his $7.8-million player option.

Selected with the ninth pick in the 2007 draft, Noah has gone on to appear in 572 games for the Bulls - the ninth most in franchise history.

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