Clippers Rumors: LAC to Work Out Joakim Noah After Lakers Signed Dwight Howard

Free-agent center Joakim Noah could potentially find a new home with the Los Angeles Clippers ahead of the 2019-20 season. 

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, "Noah plans to join the Clippers for workouts this week, league sources said. Noah was a finalist for the Los Angeles Lakers center signing that went to Dwight Howard, who was signed following the ACL injury to DeMarcus Cousins."

Noah, 34, averaged 7.1 points and 5.7 rebounds in 42 games with the Memphis Grizzlies, coming off the bench in 16.5 minutes of action per contest. He's now played in just 124 games the past four seasons, as injuries, suspensions and a falling out with the New York Knicks kept him off the court for large chunks of time.

For a Clippers team that needs center depth, however, Noah would make sense. The Clippers currently have fourth-year center Ivica Zubac, dynamic pick-and-roll option Montrezl Harrell coming off the bench and JaMychal Green, who can play some stretch-5 for the team if needed.  

But that group doesn't offer much rim-protection or heft inside in a conference that features a number of talented big men, including Nikola Jokic, Anthony Davis, Karl-Anthony Towns, Rudy Gobert, Kristaps Porzingis, LaMarcus Aldridge, Steven Adams, DeAndre Ayton, Jaren Jackson Jr. and Zion Williamson.

In other words, having a solid defensive presence like Noah who can pull down tough rebounds and muscle up against opposing big men—even in a limited role off the bench—would be a logical decision.

The center position and the ongoing health of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George remain the two biggest question marks heading into a 2019-20 season that otherwise comes with huge expectations for the Clips. Signing Noah wouldn't completely alleviate that former concern, but it would at least help.