Jan 9, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah (13) gestures on the court against the Washington Wizards in the fourth quarter at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 102-86. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Wizards are reportedly interested in former Chicago Bulls center Joakim Noah, who’s an unrestricted free agent

We’re just over a week away from the 2016 NBA Free Agency period – meaning, we’re just over a week away from one of the most chaotic times of the summer for hoop fans.

The Washington Wizards, like every other team in the NBA, are trying to lure Kevin Durant home. Unfortunately, there chances of actually convincing the DC native to play for them are rather slim.

So the Wizards, like everyone else, have to come up with other plans if their Durant campaign falls short.

The Wizards will have plenty of options as they will have the capability to sign a max player along with retaining Bradley Beal. Despite missing the playoffs this past season, the Wizards still believe they are a legitimate destination for top free agents.

A core featuring John Wall, Beal, Marcin Gortat, Markieff Morris – all established players – and two developing wings in Otto Porter and Kelly Oubre should be enticing to free agents. Of course, the addition of Scott Brooks, who’s well-respected around the NBA, helps in the recruiting process as well.

Washington could decide to trade and absorb players with their cap space, look to make another free agent splash outside of Durant or spread the wealth around by adding depth at numerous positions.

At this point, it’s unclear which direction the Wizards will decide to go.

However, their name will probably be linked to several different free agents this summer, including the marquee ones and the mediocre players.

According to Darren Wolfson, the Washington Wizards, New York Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves are interested in free agent center Joakim Noah.

Free agency buzz, which comes fast: can add the Wizards to the list of teams with interest in Noah. He'll have a few suitors. #twolves — Darren Wolfson (@DWolfsonKSTP) June 22, 2016

When I initially read the tweet from Wolfson, I had one question run through my mind: why?

Noah was one of the best big men in the NBA a few years ago. But there are a few key words in that previous sentence that should change his status as a top free agent: a few years ago.

The former Chicago Bulls star will likely leave the Windy City now that Derrick Rose has been traded to the New York Knicks.

He never embraced new coach Fred Hoiberg‘s system after Tom Thibodeau was fired, and eventually came off the bench for Chicago.

If I had to guess, we’ll probably see Noah end up with the Wolves, reuniting with coach Thibs.

On the Wizards’ side, though, the interest doesn’t make much sense.

Washington already has a starting front court with Morris and Gortat.

The pair worked well together prior to the end of the season.

Gortat’s pick-and-roll game with Wall opened the court for Morris, and he became effective from the perimeter. The tandem also helped the Wizards regain some of the defensive intensity they lost before Morris arrived to Washington.

Noah, who will turn 32-years-old next season, played in just 29 games last year. He put up a career-low four points per game. He also shot a career-low 38 percent from the field.

The injuries and the time spent on the court under Thibs caught up to Noah. His best days are certainly behind him.

As the third big man, Noah wouldn’t be an awful signing, but he certainly shouldn’t be considered the top free agent for the Washington Wizards. He would be a spot-starter at best. He’s lost much of the quickness that made him an elite pick-and-roll defender and rim protector. He’s broken down, to put it bluntly.

Washington should aim to add a young, developing big man to their roster. With a starting front court in place, the interest in Noah doesn’t make much sense. Unless Ernie Grunfeld has something else big up his sleeve, adding Noah as the key signing would be disastrous.