Report: Bulls make Taj Gibson available for trade talks

Pnjguy · Post #1 » by **Pnjguy** » Thu Feb 5, 2015 10:51 pm

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25052176/report-bulls-make-taj-gibson-available-for-trade-talks

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.

MC3 · Post #2 » by **MC3** » Thu Feb 5, 2015 10:52 pm

http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-a ... a-big-man/

hmmmm

jmajew · Post #3 » by **jmajew** » Thu Feb 5, 2015 10:54 pm

Gibson for Goran Dragic. Perfect.

DRoseCantStop · Post #4 » by **DRoseCantStop** » Thu Feb 5, 2015 10:57 pm

bullslas · Post #5 » by **bullslas** » Thu Feb 5, 2015 10:59 pm

Yes yes yes. Niko is the future. Time to force Thibs hands.

Pnjguy · Post #6 » by **Pnjguy** » Thu Feb 5, 2015 11:04 pm

jmajew wrote:Gibson for Goran Dragic. Perfect.

Dragic is playing off the ball a lot this year. I wouldn't mind it.

The Force. · Post #7 » by **The Force.** » Thu Feb 5, 2015 11:05 pm

Green/Drajic for Taj/Kirk/picks

musiqsoulchild · Post #8 » by **musiqsoulchild** » Thu Feb 5, 2015 11:05 pm

I would so do Taj for Lou Williams and Tyler Hansbrough.

Lou Williams gives us another closer in the 4th quarter and Tyler Hansbrough is there for backup PF/C minutes. Plus, if you want to give the opponent a Flagrant 2, he's always good for it.

Tenchi Ryu · Post #9 » by **Tenchi Ryu** » Thu Feb 5, 2015 11:07 pm

Affalo please.

musiqsoulchild · Post #10 » by **musiqsoulchild** » Thu Feb 5, 2015 11:07 pm

This is by the way not a surprise...if not now, he would have been traded/salary dumped in the offseason (to enable Jimmy's contract).

I like that we are making the move now, because we need the help NOW.

League Circles · Post #11 » by **League Circles** » Thu Feb 5, 2015 11:08 pm

Taj for danny green is the basis of a trade I like.

Red Larrivee · Post #12 » by **Red Larrivee** » Thu Feb 5, 2015 11:09 pm

When was he not available?

League Circles · Post #13 » by **League Circles** » Thu Feb 5, 2015 11:09 pm

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.

The Force. · Post #14 » by **The Force.** » Thu Feb 5, 2015 11:11 pm

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.

Taj makes sense because of Niko. I really don't like the idea of trading Taj over Noah but we unfortunately don't have any promising young centers with huge upside.

85Bears · Post #15 » by **85Bears** » Thu Feb 5, 2015 11:12 pm

Taj getting traded would be the nail in the Thibs coffin. Would be a sign that management no longer is concerned with Thibs opinion.

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musiqsoulchild · Post #16 » by **musiqsoulchild** » Thu Feb 5, 2015 11:12 pm

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.

It just sucks that he falls in that awkward slot of not superstar money, but big enough to get back important pieces.

aguifs · Post #17 » by **aguifs** » Thu Feb 5, 2015 11:16 pm

We need a PG and SF!

Stratmaster · Post #18 » by **Stratmaster** » Thu Feb 5, 2015 11:19 pm

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.

It would suck if they were considering trading our best big. Fortunately, they are considering Taj

Seriously, I hate to see him go, but for a quality wing I will buy Taj dinner and pack his bags for him. Hopefully the Bulls can make something happen, and hopefully it is as good for Taj (gets him the starter title he has always wanted) as it is for the bulls.

Professor Frink · Post #19 » by **Professor Frink** » Thu Feb 5, 2015 11:20 pm

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

I was thinking the same thing. Something along the lines of Taj for Green, Ayres and a pick.

BloodyQ · Post #20 » by **BloodyQ** » Thu Feb 5, 2015 11:23 pm

They should make Noah available too