ESPN Chicago is reporting that the Chicago Bulls have initiated discussions with center Joakim Noah regarding a long-term contract. The local ESPN affiliate has a fairly good source: Noah himself, who spoke on the matter - and several others - following an event sponsored by his Noah's Arc charity organization in Queens, New York, Friday night. Noah confirmed that his agent, Donald Dell, has spoken to Bulls' GM Gar Forman. Furthermore, the 6'11" big man in the middle said:
Of course [a long-term deal is] the goal. I'm not really worried about it. I think everything's going to happen with time and at the end of the day, I'm really excited about the upcoming season.
Noah is a fan favorite and a key part of a newly rivitalized Bulls core that's expected to be highly competitive in the Eastern Conference's Central Division. Stay tuned to this StoryStream for further updates on this developing story.