RealGM

Hi Spurs fans,

Sorry if I'm not supposed to start a new thread but I don't see a dedicated trade idea thread.

Would anyone do Taj Gibson for Kawhi Leonard? I think the players are similar quality, with the important distinctions that Kawhi is way younger, will be much cheaper in 2013-14 and 2014-15 but this year they are both cheap, and that Taj is a big man. So, given the age and cost difference after this year, I'd expect that the Bulls might need to throw in something, probably Jimmy Butler and/or a first round pick (probably our 2014 first).

While Kawhi may turn out to be a better player than Gibson, I think Gibson may help more now, as he is an elite multi-positional defender and IMO is better than Blair and could start alongside Duncan.

Just an FYI, Gibson will probably want 8 mil a year when he hits FA next year, but of course you'd have his RFA rights.

Thoughts?

I wouldn't. I don't even see how it makes us better. Add that he's gonna be a FA, even if it's restricted, it just means we'll have to pay a lot for him next year. Put it this way, do I want Kawhi at his rookie deal for the next 3 years, or do I want Gibson at his asking price (8 mil a year) for the next 3 years?

It'll take a whole lot to get Kawhi off this team in a trade. This doesn't come close.

Umm not a chance.

I like the idea of getting Gibson but no way we trade Leonard to do it.

Coaching staff from all accounts are pretty high on him and he's really cheap at the moment.

Can't see him being moved for anything less than a no brainer.

Not for Leonard, especially considering that Taj wants 10m/year from Chicago.

I would trade Taj straight up for Splitter though.

Taj for Tiago, yes. Yes, the Spurs will be undersized but look at that D.