RealGM

The Sporting News reports that Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson has been involved in considerable trade talks.

Gibson's name has been connected to much of the league over the last few months, from Los Angeles to Toronto to Phoenix to Detroit to Portland. In recent weeks, he has not played with the type of energy for which he has been known, and there has been speculation that he is frustrated with the addition of Nikola Mirotic and Pau Gasol though his playing time has not changed much. Gibson still has two years and $17.4 million on his deal, which is a problem in moving him.

Gibson signed a four-year, $38 million extension with the Bulls in 2012, delivering him on a long-term deal for what was likely below market price. That's kind of how the Bulls roll. Then, despite Gibson's contributions to solid Bulls teams even without Derrick Rose over the years, the Bulls upgraded the power forward position, twice. They signed Pau Gasol this summer and brought over Nikola Mirotic who they drafted several years ago. Mirotic has been a Rookie of the Year candidate and Gasol has been an All-Star, leaving Gibson on the fringes.

His scoring numbers have suffered, despite more efficient shooting and a higher PER. His overall rebounds are up but he's grabbing a slightly lower percentage this season. Complicating matters is the fact that Gibson turns 30 this summer. He's in his prime, and losing minutes to players both older and younger, neither of which are as good defensively.

If Gibson is available, any contender looking for an upgrade down low should come searching. Toronto and Phoenix both have the assets to make an offer lucrative, but the Bulls will likely play hardball, knowing Gibson's value. It's a bizarre example of having too much of a good thing.

jmajew wrote:Gibson for Goran Dragic. Perfect.

Gar Paxdorf wrote:It really sucks if we trade our best big, but IMO we can't trade Niko or Pau for complicated reasons, so it becomes Noah or Taj. While a very hard choice, Taj does make a tiny bit more sense.

Gar Paxdorf wrote:It really sucks if we trade our best big, but IMO we can't trade Niko or Pau for complicated reasons, so it becomes Noah or Taj. While a very hard choice, Taj does make a tiny bit more sense.

Gar Paxdorf wrote:It really sucks if we trade our best big, but IMO we can't trade Niko or Pau for complicated reasons, so it becomes Noah or Taj. While a very hard choice, Taj does make a tiny bit more sense.

Gar Paxdorf wrote:Taj for danny green is the basis of a trade I like.