Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls Working on Long-Term Contract Extension?

After the sudden Carmelo Anthony for Joakim Noah rumor broke out yesterday, it seems as if the Chicago Bulls' priorities are facing the complete opposite direction.

Early this morning Marc Stein from ESPN reported that the Chicago front office is working on a contract extension that would keep starting center Joakim Noah on the Bulls roster for the long term:

"The sides have been negotiating quietly for weeks and sources close to the process say that sufficient progress has been made although no deal is imminent—to all but guarantee that terms on a five-year extension will be reached before the Halloween deadline."

"Noah is determined to stay in Chicago, one source assures, while the Bulls continue to send clear signals that they have no interest in parting with their center. Not even for someone of Anthony’s pedigree, as one source told ESPNChicago.com's Nick Friedell."

Putting yet another Carmelo Anthony rumor to rest, it's safe to say that Chicago fans have nothing to worry about when it comes to the 6'11" 25 year old out of Florida.

Noah averaged 10.7 PPG, 11.0 RPG (6th in NBA), and 1.6 BPG—all career-highs—during last season.

With newly signed Carlos Boozer teamed up with Noah in the frontcourt, the Bulls have plenty to look forward to as the season nears.

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