The Chicago Bulls underwent a major shakeup in the offseason by shedding their franchise cornerstones.
Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah, the two pillars that propped up Chicago's resurgence over the past six seasons, both made their way to the New York Knicks this summer.
Bulls team owner Jerry Reinsdorf is sad to see them go, but in the case of Noah, specifically, Reinsdorf is happy his former franchise center is set for life thanks to his new $72-million contract with the Knicks.
"We're going to miss his leadership and activities in the community," Reinsdorf told K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.
"But I'm happy for him that he got that kind of money."
Noah was gone once Chicago got back Robin Lopez in the Rose deal. But nevertheless the Knicks took everyone out of the bidding when they awarded the 30-year-old with a wildly expensive contract.
Last season was the worst campaign of Noah's career. He appeared in just 29 games on account of shoulder issues, and averaged just 4.3 points per game on 38.3 percent shooting from the field. Noah was still an effective defender, but he became a major drag for the offense.
