Following a season that saw the Chicago Bulls miss the playoffs for the first time since 2007-08, the team appears focused on keeping at least some of its core intact.
While injuries derailed his season, the Bulls still consider re-signing center Joakim Noah a 'high priority,' the Daily Herald's Mike McGraw reports.
The 30-year-old struggled in his new bench role in 2015-16, averaging career-lows in points (4.3) and field-goals (1.8), while shooting a ghastly 38.3 percent from the floor in 29 games. Noah's season ended in January after separating his shoulder.
If Pau Gasol opts out of his $7.8 million player option, the Bulls are projected to have approximately $24 million in cap space heading into free agency. It's tougher to gauge Noah's value after his disastrous season, but the Florida product should still demand a fair multi-year contract with the rising salary cap.
Noah has averaged 9.3 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.4 blocks in 572 career games.