Taj Gibson (Photo : Getty Images)
The Houston Rockets could explore trading for Chicago Bulls big man Taj Gibson as an alternative for Clint Capela's absence.
The Rockets will miss Clint Capela for a lengthy time after the Swiss center, who brought an athletic presence to the team's frontcourt, suffered a broken fibula earlier this month. Following the unfortunate setback, Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical reported that Capela could be sidelined for 4-6 weeks, which could lead to the Rockets "probing trade market on available bigs."
As the February 2017 trade deadline nears, several big men are emerging on the trading block. One potential target the Rockets could consider is Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson.
Kelly Scalleta of Bleacher Report explored the possibility of the Rockets acquiring Gibson from the Bulls. In Scalleta's trade scenario, the Rockets could send Corey Brewer for Gibson, and possibly add Montzreal Harrell and a draft pick to sweeten up the deal.
"He can come off the bench or start. He can play power forward alongside Nene or center next to Ryan Anderson. And his contract is enough of a bargain that Brewer would be enough contract space to get the deal done, though, it would require sweeteners-perhaps Harrell and a draft pick. If the Bulls deal him, it would be looking toward the future," Scalleta wrote.
Gibson would not only shore up the Rockets' interior defense, but could also come in handy on the offensive end. The 31-year-old is averaging 12.1 points per game for the Bulls, while shooting a career-high 54.2 percent from the field.
Would the Bulls consider trading Gibson before the deadline? Probably, given Chicago's roller-coaster campaign in the first half of the season. Gibson is also in the final year of a four-year $33 million contract with the Bulls, which could see him an expendable piece for the team. But that could also be a red flag for the Rockets to acquire his services, with the possibility of Gibson turning into a one-year rental.
Nevertheless, Gibson is a proven veteran who could help boost the Rockets' frontcourt. If the Rockets wants to improve their roster without giving up too much, Daryl Morey should consider trading for Gibson.
Video courtesy: YouTube/FreeDawkins
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